Chapter 17
Profile of the Sons of Mosiah
A close study of chapter 17 will yield insight into the character of the sons of Mosiah. Chapter 17 begins with Alma encountering the sons of Mosiah while he was journeying to Manti. This encounter might have happened between chapters 8 and 9. After Alma taught the people in Gideon, but before he arrived at Ammonihah.
In any case, Alma rejoices in seeing his brethren and Mormon explains that the sons of Mosiah remained strong in the Lord. Mormon then explains why:
2 ...they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. (Alma 17)
These verses provide insight into the character of the Sons of Mosiah. From these verses we learn the following:
- Possessed a strong knowledge of truth
- Men of sound understanding
- Searched the scriptures diligently --> that they might know the word of God
- Prayed a lot and fasted a lot --> had the spirit of prophecy and revelation --> taught with power and authority
Let's now break down each feature:
Knowledge of Truth
Many people today "know" a lot of things. They may know interesting facts about the world, the latest celebrity gossip, or even more academic things -- economics, politics, and science.
But despite a fair amount of people "knowing" information, how many people actually know the truth? Or in other words, how much of one's knowledge is actually true?
Doctrine and Covenants 93:24 defines truth as the "knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and they are to come."
Truth then is different from information. Truth refers to knowledge about eternal things. This means that a person who has an encyclopedic knowledge about sport trivia or even politics does not possess truth in these areas. He may know a good deal, but if his knowledge is confined to temporal matters, then he possess knowledge of information, not truth.
Given then that truth is distinct from information, how do we acquire it? Doctrine and Covenants 93 explains that truth is associated with light. Doctrine and Covenants will often refer to truth as light and truth. This is because "light" is truth and truth is light.
Section 88 of Doctrine and Covenants indicates that light of truth emanates from the sun, moon, and stars. And this light is power from Christ. Thus the light that gives us day and the light that illuminates the night sky, comes from the light of Christ.
7 ...This is the light of Christ. As also he [the light of Christ] is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;9 As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made;10 And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings;12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—13 The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
We access degrees of this light by obedience to God.
We can also access this light through prayer and scripture study.
We can also access this light through seeking out more truth and receiving it from whoever it comes from.
Sound Understanding
Possessing knowledge (light and truth) is one thing, but it's another to understand it. Does this seem like a strained distinction? Perhaps. But consider Nephi as an example. For instance, Nephi's vision of the Tree of Life, which gave him a panoramic view of the world, gave him truth. But it took many years of pondering and meditating upon what Nephi saw in order to "understand" it -- i.e., comprehend it.
If you pay attention to the timeline, you'll notice that Nephi sees his vision in his younger years Yet the majority of his commentary about his vision occurs in 2 Nephi, 30 years after they left Jerusalem. If Nephi was around 14 when they left and when he saw the vision, he would have been around 44 years when he wrote the material for 2 Nephi. This shows that it took many years for Nephi to fully understand what he knew. And he used the prophecies of Isaiah to express what he say.
Thus Mormon's statement that the sons of Mosiah were men of sound understanding tell us that they not only knew the truth, but they could comprehend it. They understood how pieces of truth related to each other. This is quite a statement considering that the sons of Mosiah were once a very wicked group.
Searched the Scriptures
As explained above, scriptures are one medium we can use to access truth. But also notice the adjective Mormon uses to describe the sons of Mosiah -- they "searched" the scriptures. Searching the scriptures is different from reading them. On it's, the verb "to search" implies a pro-active and intensive process. Moreover, Webster's 1828 provides 4 definitions for the verb "to search":
1. To look over or through for the purpose of finding something; to explore; to examine by inspection; as, to search the house for a book; to search the wood for a thief.
2. To inquire; to seek for.
3. To probe; to seek the knowledge of by feeling with instrument; as to search a wound.
4. To examine; to try. Psalms 139:23S
Prayed and Fasted
Last, we learn that the sons of Mosiah prayed and fasted. Mormon further explains that by their prayer and fasting, they had both the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation. And by having these two "spirits" they were able to teach with power and authority.
This description leads to some of the following insights: First, is the link between prayer and fasting with have having the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Second, is the link between having power and authority to having the spirit of prophecy and revelation.
According to Mormon, he sees a connection between prayer and fasting to receiving the two "spirits." As we've learned in previous posts, the terms spirit of prophecy and spirit of revelation refer to specific ways of receiving knowledge -- one comes through the knowledge of Christ, the other through the medium of the Holy Ghost. We also learned that having a knowledge of Christ means that one has seen Christ and knows him personally. Thus, one way we can obtain these gifts is through prayer and fasting.
In addition to the link between the prayer and fasting and the two "spirits" is also the link between the two "spirits" and teaching with power and authority. We often hear of this term in the scriptures -- X taught with power and authority. Here, Mormon provides insight into what his means. It means that the person had the spirit of revelation and prophecy -- in other words, it means that one was fully connected with the Holy Ghost to receive revelation and knew Christ personally to prophecy.
The power and authority comes because what the person said was backed up by heaven.
Focusing on the characteristics of the son of Mosiah is important because we then learn that sons of Mosiah were much more righteous than we are. And though it may be hard to accept or acknowledge, this is good for our growth because we have a marker for where we should be.
Chapters 18 and 19
The Humility of King Lamoni
My focus for chapters 18 and 19 is on the person of King Lamoni, as his example in seeking after truth is a model for us all. King Lamoni is one of my favorite characters in the Book of Mormon because he serves as the model of pure humility.
We learn that after Ammon chopped off the arms of the Lamanites, king Lamoni is afraid that Ammon might be the Great Spirit who has come to judge king Lamoni for his killing of his servants. When Ammon goes to the king, the king is afraid and doesn't know what to do.
The king's fear is a truth for all of us. Throughout our life we will inevitably encounter experiences that show us that things are not what we thought they were. This can (and often is) a very uncomfortable experience. Psychologists cause this cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person holds two conflicting beliefs or when their actions contradict their beliefs.
For King Lamoni, his cognitive dissonance occurred because of his two conflicting beliefs, which Mormon explains to us in the chapter.
We learn from Mormon's commentary that the Lamanites supposed that whatsoever they did was right. This belief was adopted by king Lamoni. King Lamaoni held the belief that whatever he did was right. Yet, when he learned of Ammon's success among the Lamanites, he begins to develop a new belief: that perhaps he was wrong in killing his servants, thus meaning that it's not true that whatever he did was right. In other words, king Lamoni developed the new belief that it's possible for him to commit a wrong.
This breaks down as follows:
- Traditional belief: whatever king Lamoni did was right
- Putative/New belief: King Lamoni's actions are not always right
Here, king Lamoni is faced with an option. Given that he now is aware of two opposing beliefs, he needs to reject one or otherwise he'll live in discomfort. King Lamoni then has the choice to either harden his hearts (not search out new truth, which is a sin) or soften his heart (open himself up to new truth).
18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?
King Lamoni chooses to investigate whether the putative belief is the correct one. He wants to learn more about the Great Spirit -- he has opened up his heart. Because he wants to learn, Ammon is able to teach him more -- King Lamoni has opened up his heart to learn more of the word (see Alma 12).
The learning of new truth occurs line upon line, precept upon precept (see DC 93). We learn as fast as we are willing to accept the truth being taught.
Ammon's teachings to king Lamoni starts off simple. Ammon explains who God is and where God dwells.
26 And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?27 And he said, Yea.28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels.31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
After teaching these simple truths, Ammon inquires whether king Lamoni has believed what is taught. King Lamoni shows that he is ready to learn by asking Ammon a question. This question allows Ammon to teach more truth -- those who harden not their heart, more will be given (see Alma 12).
Ammon then goes on to expound upon more truth.
36 ...he [Ammon] began at the creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem.37 And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travail, and so forth.38 And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time.
39 But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.
Verse 38 is of particular interest. Notice what Ammon says about Laman and Lemuel, and be consequence the Lamanite tradition. He tells king Lamoni that his forefathers rebelled. Thus his forefathers, not Nephi, were in the wrong.
This may not seem like a big deal for us, who know that the Lamanite tradition was wrong. But we have to remember that the Lamanite tradition was part of king Lamoni's identity. It was what he and the other Lamanites held onto. It shaped who they were.
As a reminder:
12 They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;13 And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.15 And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.16 And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them.17 And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi (Mosiah 10).
The hatred of the Nephites was ingrained within Lamanite culture. And now king Lamoni is being told that it's all wrong. Take about having the rug pulled out from beneath you. To understand what this might be like imagine someone telling you for the first time that Joseph Smith was not a prophet or stumbling upon uncomfortable truths about church history -- polygamy, Jospeh Smith was imperfect, multiple accounts of the first vision, etc. This kind of shocks is what king Lamoni experienced but even to a greater degree.
To be very clear: Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. I merely use this example to illustrate how shocking it would've been for king Lamoni to hear that his ancient fathers were wrong and the Nephi and Lehi were in the right.
The overall point is that the new knowledge, which required him to reject previous knowledge, did not deter king Lamoni from learning. And because he did not limit the Lord in his pursuit of truth, the Lord removed king Lamoni's veil of darkness. Each step along the way, each phase, king Lamoni continually asked for more information.
After Ammon explained all of these we read again that king Lamoni believed all of Ammon's words.
And now desiring to learn more, he turned to the Lord for further light and truth
41 And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people.42 And now, when he had said this, he fell unto the earth, as if he were dead.
And when the Queen asked Ammon what happened to her husband, Ammon explains
6 ...he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind...this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God (Alma 19).
Showing that he will hold nothing back from the Lord, the light of the Lord was able to enter his mind to such a degree that after the experience he stated:
13 For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.
King Lamoni saw Christ and foresaw his ministry.
As God is no respecter of persons, the experience of king Lamoni is available to all. We determine how long it'll take. The obstacle to receiving the Lord is the stakes we set up.
Applying King Lamoni's Experience to Ourselves
Each of us experience moments of contradiction -- moments where what we think we knew about the world is not quite correct. The question is: how do we respond? Do we ignore the contradiction? Or do we investigate with a desire to know the truth no matter what we discover? Are we willing to give up our old set of beliefs for newer ones?
King Lamoni's humility can't be emphasized enough, as shown by his desire to learn. In king Lamoni's search for truth, he had to come face-to-face with many harsh realities. One of these was the fact that the Lamanite tradition about their father Laman and Lemuel was not only wrong, but they were the ones who rebelled against Nephi.
If we desire to learn the truth and mysteries of God, we have to follow this same pattern. Had just as king Lamoni had his preconceptions rooted up, we must do the same.
In describing the attitude of the early church, Brigham Young explained:
I recollect, in Far West, Joseph talking upon these matters, said: "The people cannot bear the revelations that the Lord had for them. There were a great many revelations if the people could bear them."(JD 18:242.)
John Taylor also explained:
"When Joseph Smith had anything from God to communicate to the children of men or to the Church, what was it he had to fight against all the day long? It was the prejudices of the people; and, in many instances, he could not and dare not reveal the word of God to the people, for fear they would rise up and reject it. How many times he faltered? It was not that he was particularly afraid; but he had to look after the welfare and salvation of the people. If the Prophet Joseph had revealed everything which the Lord manifested to him, it would have. proven the overthrow of the people in many instances; hence he had to treat them like children, and feed them upon milk, and unfold principles gradually, just as they could receive them. Was all this because it was so hard to comprehend correct principles? No, it was because we were babes and children, and could not understand." (JD 6:165.)
Would you be willing to surrender all your beliefs about the gospel for greater understanding? Are you willing to accept that most of what you believe is likely incorrect? Are you willing to surrender you current worldview for something else -- for a truer and more accurate one?
Recently, I saw a post on social media of a man running naked around Seattle, warning the residents of an impending earthquake. You can watch it here.
If a man (or woman) ran around you neighborhood naked warning you about destruction how would you respond? Would you listen and consider his message or would you reject it, attributing him to be a lunatic? In other words, do you believe that a naked man running around can you teach something you're not aware of? Do you believe that he can offer something?
As you reflect on these question, consider what the Lord commanded the prophet Isaiah to do:
1. In the year that the commander in chief, who was sent by Sargon the king of Assyria, came to Ashdod and fought against it and captured it—2 At that time the LORD spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go, and loose the sackcloth from your waist and take off your sandals from your feet,” and he did so, walking naked and barefoot.3 Then the LORD said, “As my servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot for three years oas a sign and a portent against Egypt and Cush, 4 so shall the pking of Assyria lead away the Egyptian captives and the Cushite exiles, both the young and the old, naked and barefoot, with buttocks uncovered, the nakedness of Egypt. (Isaiah 20) (ESV)
This is not to say that a naked man running around the city is necessarily on God's errant. But it's also to point out that running around naked doesn't exclude him from delivering a message from God, either.
How we respond to people God puts in our path will determine a lot of the light and truth we acquire.
Chapter 20
20:15 -- Just and Holy Men
Once again we encounter the terms "just" and "holy". These terms in the scriptures (particularly the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price) are used to refer to a certain type of person.
Doctrine and Covenants 20 indicates that these terms means specific things.
30 And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.
As discussed previously the word holy and sanctification refer to the same thing.
Justification refers to those who abide by the conditions of the kingdom they inhabit.
36 All kingdoms have a law given;37 And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.39 All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified. (DC 88)
This world is the telestial kingdom. The conditions of this kingdom are the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we repent and exercise faith unto good works and have reconciled our lives to God, then we are justified.
Adherence to the law of the kingdom sanctifies us.
34 And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.35 That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still. (DC 88)
Those who become sanctified have minds that are single to God. They can comprehend all things. God will visit those who have become sanctified. Rearranging verse 67-68, we can track the progression:
- Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God,
- if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.
- the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.
We become sanctified by doing the following: (see D&C 88:118-126)
- [S]eek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith
- Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God [so that] your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
- Appoint among yourselves a teacher, and let not all be spokesmen at once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings, that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that every man may have an equal privilege.
- See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
- Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
- And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
- Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.
Ammon and his brothers went from being the vilest of sinner to men whose minds were single to God's glory. This account of the sons of Mosiah and their missionary efforts is a testament that unless we commit the unpardonable sin, we can work our way back to God.
Interestingly enough, we tend to frame the wickedness of Alma and the sons of Mosiah as occurring in their teenage years. However, nothing in the Book of Mormon tells us this. It's possible that they strayed into wickedness in the young adult or even adult years. We don't know. But I share this to show that no matter the age, we can return back to God. We just have to want it.
20:18 -- Cry From the Ground
It appears that those who have been killed, their "blood" cries up from the ground. It's possible that the murdered individual's blood cries to God for justice. This "blood" cries for vengeance, which God, being just, must eventually grant.
As of this year, 61.8 million abortions have been performed since 1973. To add context, this is more than the number of people killed by Mao (49 million), Stalin (20 million), Hitler (6 million in concentration camps; 12 million in war), Khmer Rouge (2.4 million).
Despite our society's moral sentiments to move away from the death penalty, the consequence of murder is for one's life to be taken. This is a divine law. Given that penalty for murder is death, what happens if an entire country is complicit in the murder of 61.8+ babies?
20:26 -- Saw The Great Love
In Christ's sermon on the mount, he taught:
13 ¶ Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
We can be a light by the love we exhibit to our neighbors. Too much of the word is occupied in destroying or "owing" the "other-side." But as Christians, we are to follow the master's path -- show love to our neighbor and enemies.
By showing love to others, we show those that we help the love of God. When people see what we're willing to do for them, then they can understand the love that God has for them. Because the majority of people lack the faith to see God or angels, we, as Christians act as intermediaries -- showing others who God really is.
Ammon's love for king Lamoni, as shown by his interest and concern for king Lamoni, made an impact on king Lamoni's father. Such an impact that the love of Ammon occupied the king Lamoni's father to a great degree. In response the Aaron's visit to the king, he responds:
3... And the king said unto them: Arise, for I will grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me; for I have been somewhat troubled in mind because of the generosity and the greatness of the words of thy brother Ammon (Alma 22)
Without Ammon's actions, it's likely king Lamoni's father would not inquire into the generosity and words of Ammon, and thus not have learned about God.
Moreover, the conversion of king Lamoni's father was significant. Because king Lamnoi's father was king over the land, he had the control over the laws of the land. When the king converted, he essentially sent, in modern terms, a proclamation for the freedom of religion.
Prior to the conversion of king Lamoni's father, the sons of Mosiah could and were persecuted, making it hard to preach the word. And also discouraging others from receiving it for fear of the same persecution.
But the proclamation changed this. By giving the sons of Mosiah free access to the temple and sanctuaries and that the sons of Mosiah could not be imprisoned for their beliefs, we learn that
that the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness.
And from this
Aaron and his brethren went forth from city to city, and from one house of worship to another, establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers throughout the land among the Lamanites, to preach and to teach the word of God among them; and thus they began to have great success.5 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and prophecies which were handed down even to the present time.
Ammon's simple show of love led to the conversion of thousands of lamanites.
Each and everyday, we as Christians make the conscious choice to show love or hate. How we decide to act can shape the lives of unbelievers in post positive and negative ways.
Chapter 21
In chapter 21, we turn to the experiences of Ammon's brother, Aaron.
21:3 -- The Amalekites and Amulonites
Here, we learn that there are two groups of dissenting Nephites now living among the Lamanites -- the Amalekites and Amulonites.
The Amulonites are descendants of one of king Noah's priests, Amulon. It is not clear, however, where the Amalekites come from. Some have argued that the Amalekites come from the Amilicites, those who rebelled against the Nephites in Alma 2.
Another theory suggests that perhaps a group of Nephite descendants took up the name Amalekites after the group of people in the Bible who were always at war with the people of Judah. [see Verneil W. Simmons, Peoples, Places and Prophecies, p. 84]. It's possible that the Amilicites changed their name (for some reason) to Amalekites.
In any case, we learn that these two dissident groups were after the order of Nehor and had built synagogues for their worship. And that the hearts of these groups were "harder" than the Lamanites. And thus the Amalekites and Amulonites "wax[ed] strong in wickedness."
21:17 -- The Lord Began to Bless Them
Often we don't have success until after the Lord sees our dedication and commitment to his cause. The sons of Mosiah had to suffer much privation before they saw any success.
Chapter 22
Just as king Lamoni is an excellent example of humility, so is his father. And just as king Lamoni was willing to believe and searched for the truth at all costs, so does king Lamoni's father. Let's track the exchange:
First, king Lamoni's father ("the king") asks questions
What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, this is the thing which doth trouble me.what is this that Ammon said—If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day?
Second, he is willing to believe
And if now thou sayest there is a God, behold I will believe.
Third, he inquires more, so he can understand more
Is God that Great Spirit that brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem?
Fourth, he believes and desires to learn more
I desire that ye should tell me concerning all these things, and I will believe thy words.
Fifth, and because he showed that he was willing to believe everything that Aaron, a Nephite and ostensible enemy to the king, said, Aaron was able to teach him more.
12 And it came to pass that when Aaron saw that the king would believe his words, he began from the creation of Adam, reading the scriptures unto the king—how God created man after his own image, and that God gave him commandments, and that because of transgression, man had fallen.13 And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.14 And since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance, and so forth; and that he breaketh the bands of death, that the grave shall have no victory, and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory; and Aaron did expound all these things unto the king.
Sixth, upon learning this information, the king ask additional questions
What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?
Seventh, the king will give up everything he has to know the answers to his question
I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy.
Eighth, Upon learning that he is to repent and pray before God, the king of all the land "prostrates" himself and loudly cries
18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck as if he were dead.
And because he was willing to do whatever to acquire truth, he was taking upon into the Lord, like his sons, king Lamoni.
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