Mosiah 24:1-7

Chapter 24

Amulon persecutes Alma and his people—They are to be put to death if they pray—The Lord makes their burdens seem light—He delivers them from bondage, and they return to Zarahemla. About 145–120 B.C.

1 AND it came to pass that Amulon did gain favor in the eyes of the king of the Lamanites; therefore, the king of the Lamanites granted unto him and his brethren that they should be appointed teachers over his people, yea, even over the people who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the land of Shilom, and in the land of Amulon.

2 For the Lamanites had taken possession of all these lands; therefore, the king of the Lamanites had appointed kings over all these lands.

3 And now the name of the king of the Lamanites was Laman, being called after the name of his father; and therefore he was called king Laman.  And he was king over a numerous people.

4 And he appointed teachers of the brethren of Amulon in every land which was possessed by his people; and thus the language of Nephi began to be taught among all the people of the Lamanites.

5 And they were a people friendly one with another; nevertheless they knew not God; neither did the brethren of Amulon teach them anything concerning the Lord their God, neither the law of Moses; nor did they teach them the words of Abinadi;

6 But they taught them that they should keep their record, and that they might write one to another.

7 And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches, and began to trade one with another and wax great, and began to be a cunning and a wise people, as to the wisdom of the world, yea, a very cunning people, delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among their own brethren.

Mosiah 24:1-12

After joining the Lamanites, Amulon met the king.  The Lamanite king, named Laman, liked Amulon.  He decided Amulon and the other priests would be teachers over all his people in every land. “In gaining the favor of the Lamanites, these priests clearly lost favor with God. There is a note of disapproval in the narrator's words when he says that the people of Amulon not only found favor in the eyes of the Lamanite king, but also that the king appointed these men to be teachers over all his people (see Mosiah 24:1).”^[1] 

Amulon’s group taught the Lamanites the Nephite language and then taught them in the Nephite language.  “This ‘language’ was probably a script, not a spoken language. It is hard to believe that a new tongue could be taught so quickly and widely as is implied here, or that the Lamanites would accept the notion of using their enemy's actual tongue, if it was different, even for commerce.”^[2]

“Their teaching seems not to have been explicitly religious…”^[3]  They taught nothing about the Lord, the Law of Moses, and most especially the words of Abinadi.

 “[T]hey did promote literacy among the varied Lamanite groups, by means of which trade was fostered, whereupon they ‘began to increase in riches’ (Mosiah 24:7).”[4]   They did this through trade with each other.  They became and cunning and wise people.  They began to plunder others, “except it were among their own brethren.”

Mosiah 24:7 reports the Lamanites' practicing "all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among their own brethren." Now, given this verse's context, those plundered do not appear to have been Nephites. Who is referred to? Possibly the statement means that the Lamanites considered it acceptable to plunder any community other than those involving immediate relatives or neighbors, but such a limited sense of "their own brethren" is without precedent in the text. Rather it seems to me that this expression tells us that certain portions of the Lamanites classified other segments of the population in their lands as being of different origin and thus subject to less protection. That … could mean that Lamanites were plundering "Lamanites" not of that bloodline, and vice versa. Amulonites and Amalekites could have fallen into the target category as well as the Zeniffites, who certainly were "plundered" (see Mosiah 9:14). Yet it seems to me that plunderable "others," of non-Lehite stock, may have been at odds with "the [real] Lamanites" and thus have come into conflict with them (compare Mormon 8:8). That could explain Helaman 5:21, where there is mention of "an army of the Lamanites," whose existence in their homeland is strange since no war against the Nephites was going on or threatened.[5]

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[1] The Stealing of the Daughters of the Lamanites, Alan Goff, Maxwell Institute, accessed  November 30, 2014.

[2] The Book of Mormon as a Mesoamerican Record, John L. Sorenson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 30, 2014.

[3] Religious Groups and Movements among the Nephites, 200-1 B.C., John L. Sorenson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 30, 2014.

[4] Ibid.

[5] When Lehi's Party Arrived in the Land, Did They Find Others There? John L. Sorenson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 30, 2014.

Mosiah 23:15-39

25 For behold, it came to pass that while they were in the land of Helam, yea, in the city of Helam, while tilling the land round about, behold an army of the Lamanites was in the borders of the land.

26 Now it came to pass that the brethren of Alma fled from their fields, and gathered themselves together in the city of Helam; and they were much frightened because of the appearance of the Lamanites.

27 But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.

28 Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives, and their children.

29 And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the hearts of the Lamanites.  And Alma and his brethren went forth and delivered themselves up into their hands; and the Lamanites took possession of the land of Helam.

30 Now the armies of the Lamanites, which had followed after the people of king Limhi, had been lost in the wilderness for many days.

31 And behold, they had found those priests of king Noah, in a place which they called Amulon; and they had begun to possess the land of Amulon and had begun to till the ground.

32 Now the name of the leader of those priests was Amulon.

33 And it came to pass that Amulon did plead with the Lamanites; and he also sent forth their wives, who were the daughters of the Lamanites, to plead with their brethren, that they should not destroy their husbands.

34 And the Lamanites had compassion on Amulon and his brethren, and did not destroy them, because of their wives.

35 And Amulon and his brethren did join the Lamanites, and they were traveling in the wilderness in search of the land of Nephi when they discovered the land of Helam, which was possessed by Alma and his brethren.

36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites promised unto Alma and his brethren, that if they would show them the ^away which led to the land of Nephi that they would grant unto them their lives and their liberty.

37 But after Alma had shown them the way that led to the land of Nephi the Lamanites would not keep their promise; but they set guards round about the land of Helam, over Alma and his brethren.

38 And the remainder of them went to the land of Nephi; and a part of them returned to the land of Helam, and also brought with them the wives and the children of the guards who had been left in the land.

39 And the king of the Lamanites had granted unto Amulon that he should be a king and a ruler over his people, who were in the land of Helam; nevertheless he should have no power to do anything contrary to the will of the king of the Lamanites.

Mosiah 23:25-39

Alma’s people have been living in peace and prosperity, faithfully keeping the Lord’s commandments.  The people were tilling their land, minding their own business, when a Lamanite army arrived. 

The people fled to the city of Helam in fear of the Lamanite army.  Alma went among the people and told them not to fear the army.  They would be delivered by the Lord. 

The people began to pray, asking the hearts of the Lamanites would be soften towards them and their families.  The Lord heard their prayers and soften their hearts.  Alma and his brethren surrendered to the Lamanites; they took possession of the land of Helam.

From where did this Lamanite army come?  This is the Lamanite army that had pursued Limhi and his people.  “And now it came to pass when the Lamanites had found that the people of Limhi had departed out of the land by night, that they sent an army into the wilderness to pursue them; And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness” (Mosiah 22:15 - 16).

Before the lost army found Alma’s group, they found Amulon and the priests of Noah and their families.  “When a disoriented Lamanite army accidentally located [Noah’s priests] many months later, the priests craftily escaped punishment by obliging their ‘wives’ to intercede on their behalf, thereafter easing themselves into Lamanite society, even taking positions of responsibility … One must remember, of course, that at least three years had passed before the women, now ‘wives,’ were discovered by the Lamanite army (see Mosiah 23:30—31); some of the former fiancés must have married other women in the meantime..^[1]

Amulon pleaded with the Lamanite army, but apparently had no success.  Then, their wives went before the army and presented their case.  It was only then the army decided not to attack.

There was a condition.  Amulon and his group had to join the Lamanites and return with them.  They continued their search and came upon Alma and his group.  The Lamanites asked Alma to show them the way to the land of Nephi.  If they did this, they would remain free.

Alma showed them the way to the land of Nephi.  Once they got what they wanted, the Lamanites broke the agreement and placed guards around the land of Helam.

The rest of the army returned to the land of Nephi.  Some returned, bringing the wives and children of those left to guard the land of Helam.

The Lamanite king made Amulon a king over Alma’s people living the land of Helam; however, his power was limited. 

“In time, Amulon obtained the Lamanite king's favor. He was made a ruler over the land of Helam (see Mosiah 23:39). This was the land to which Alma, the repentant priest of King Noah, and his followers had fled (see Mosiah 23:38). Amulon and his associates were appointed teachers over the people…”^[2]  He could do nothing save it was in accordance with the will of the Lamanite king.

However, negotiations also meant that the priests evidently were required to abandon their new settlement, to return to the homeland of the Lamanites, and to "join the Lamanites," although the text does not specify what this latter means (Mosiah 23:35).³⁶ The results for the priests were that they would keep both their lives and their wives—a decision not subsequently overturned by the Lamanite king because, afterward, he appointed Amulon to serve as a regent king over the colony of Alma, "his people" (Mosiah 23:39).[3]

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[1] Marriage and Treaty in the Book of Mormon: The Case of the Abducted Lamanite Daughters, S. Kent Brown, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 25, 2014.

[2] The Impact of Shifting Cultural Assumptions on the Military Policies Directing Armed Conflict Reported in the Book of Alma, Matthew M. F. Hilton and Neil J. Flinders, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 25, 2014.

[3] Marriage and Treaty in the Book of Mormon: The Case of the Abducted Lamanite Daughters, S. Kent Brown, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 25, 2014.

Mosiah 23:16-24

16 And now, Alma was their high priest, he being the founder of their church.

17 And it came to pass that none received authority to preach or to teach except it were by him from God.  Therefore he consecrated all their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except they were just men.

18 Therefore they did watch over their people, and did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.

19 And it came to pass that they began to prosper exceedingly in the land; and they called the land Helam.

20 And it came to pass that they did multiply and prosper exceedingly in the land of Helam; and they built a city, which they called the city of Helam.

21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith.

22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.  Yea, and thus it was with this people.

23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob.

24 And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.

Mosiah 23:16-25

Alma was in charge of the church he established.  He had the priesthood authority and served as the high priest. 

It is Alma who founded the church among the Nephites (Mosiah 23:16), in the sense of a separately existing organization within the larger society. It is easy to see why this was so. The king, Noah, had abdicated his traditional responsibilities in the hierarchical social system of the Nephites, and Alma had taken his place as the spiritual leader and fount of priesthood authority for those who dissented from Noah's leadership. Alma's colony thus became a secessionist group … Birth as a Nephite was no longer enough to make a man or woman one of God's people … Instead, a conscious and personal decision, a covenant, was required of anyone who wished to be numbered among the people of God.[1]

Only those who received authority from Alma had the authority to preach and teach the people.  Alma consecrated the people that serve the people.  “[Alma] 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” (Mosiah 18:18).

Those consecrated to serve the people “did nourish them with things pertaining to righteousness.”  “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained” (1 Timothy 4:6).

They became a prosperous people.  They settled in the land of Helam and built the city of Helam where they lived.

In his book Understanding the Book of Mormon, Grant Hardy explains one of the purposes of his abridgement is to show us the wicked Nephites are brought into bondage of some sort.  They return to God and repent and cry for deliverance.  Eventually, the people are freed because of their righteousness.

The story of Alma and his people does not follow this pattern.  The people of Alma were righteous and obeying God’s commandments, yet they were brought into bondage.  How does he handle this?

Mormon tells us what will happen in the end.  Before we read the story, he has revealed the ending.  He doesn’t do this in other places in his abridgment.

We learn from Mormon: 

• “the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and the faith.”
• “whosoever putteth his trust in him … shall be lifted up at the last day.
• “they were brought into bondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God.”
• “[the Lord] did deliver them.”

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[1] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 24, 2014.

Mosiah 23:1-15

An account of Alma and the people of the Lord, who were driven into the wilderness by the people of King Noah.

Comprising chapters 23 and 24.

Chapter 23

Alma refuses to be king—He serves as high priest—The Lord chastens his people, and the Lamanites conquer the land of Helam—Amulon, leader of King Noah's wicked priests, rules subject to the Lamanite monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

1 NOW Alma, having been warned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and departed into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah.

2 And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of king Noah could not overtake them to destroy them.

3 And they fled eight days' journey into the wilderness.

4 And they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant land, a land of pure water.

5 And they pitched their tents, and began to till the ground, and began to build buildings; yea, they were industrious, and did labor exceedingly.

6 And the people were desirous that Alma should be their king, for he was beloved by his people.

7 But he said unto them: Behold, it is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king.

8 Nevertheless, if it were possible that ye could always have just men to be your kings it would be well for you to have a king.

9 But remember the iniquity of king Noah and his priests; and I myself was caught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore repentance;

10 Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands in bringing so many of you to a knowledge of his truth.

11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself.

12 And now I say unto you, ye have been oppressed by king Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been brought into iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the bands of iniquity.

13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.

14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.

15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should love his neighbor as himself, that there should be no contention among them.

Mosiah 23:1-15

Limhi’s people have joined with the Nephites at Zarahemla.  They were welcomed with open arms and found a place to settle in the land of Zarahemla. We return to the group that had escaped king Noah under the leadership of Alma₁.

Alma₁’s group has been warned the armies of king Noah were approaching their settlement.  “And it came to pass that Alma and the people of the Lord were apprised of the coming of the king's army; therefore they took their tents and their families and departed into the wilderness” (Mosiah 18:34).

They gathered together all their possession and escaped before Noah’s army arrived.  Alma₂ would later remind the people of Zarahemla of this event.  “And behold, I say unto you, they were delivered out of the hands of the people of king Noah, by the mercy and power of God” (Alma 5:4).

The Lord was with them as they traveled.  They were strengthened by the Lord to the point the armies of king Noah could not catchup with them.

They traveled for eight days and came to a land that was “a very beautiful and peasant land, a land of pure water.”  It was here they chose to settle and began to establish their city.

After settling at Helam, the people wanted Alma₁ to become king.  In spirt of all the problems Noah caused, the people still wanted a king.

He turned the people down.  “He turned down the title but, of necessity, did carry out some kingly duties. It was Alma who ordained priests and teachers for his outcast people, among whom he was in fact the sole human source of authority (Mosiah 18:18; 23:17).”^[1]

In verse 7, we see an example of chiasmus.

        A Behold, it is not expedient that we should have a king;

                    B for thus saith the Lord:

                              C Ye shall not esteem one flesh above another,

                              C 'or one man shall not think himself above another;

                    B' therefore I say unto you

          A' it is not expedient that ye should have a king.

                                                                                  (Mosiah 23:7)^[2]

Solomon warned about wicked kings.  “It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness: for the throne is established by righteousness” (Proverbs 16:12).

Alma₁ had no objection to a king if the king was a righteous, just man.  In fact, a righteous and just man as king would be a good thing for the people.

He again reminded them of Noah.  He confessed he “was caught in a snare and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord.” 

Alma₁ went before the Lord asking forgiveness.  “[A]fter much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries.”  “For after much tribulation come the blessings.  Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand” (D&C 58:4).  He became an instrument in the hand of the Lord to bring many “to a knowledge of his truth.” He does not glory in what has occurred.  The Lord deserves the glory, not him.

The people had been oppressed by Noah. He led his people to sin.  “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 11:2).

In the Book of Mormon, aversion to oppression is connected with the just conduct of government. Among the evils and iniquities of King Noah and his priests, who are prime examples in the Book of Mormon of the miscarriage of justice, was the fact that they "oppressed" people and held them "in bondage" (Mosiah 23:12).^[3]

The people had been delivered through the power of God.  He released them from the bonds of iniquity and out of the hands of king Noah.  They are free from all bondage.  “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage” (Galatians 5:1).

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[1] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 22, 2014.

[2] Nephite Kingship Reconsidered, Noel B. Reynolds, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 22, 2014.

[3] The Ideal of Righteous Judgment, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 22, 2014.

Mosiah 22:11-16

12 And they had taken all their gold, and silver, and their precious things, which they could carry, and also their provisions with them, into the wilderness; and they pursued their journey.

13 And after being many days in the wilderness they arrived in the land of Zarahemla, and joined Mosiah's people, and became his subjects.

14 And it came to pass that Mosiah received them with joy; and he also received their records, and also the records which had been found by the people of Limhi.

15 And now it came to pass when the Lamanites had found that the people of Limhi had departed out of the land by night, that they sent an army into the wilderness to pursue them;

16 And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness.

Mosiah 22:12-16

As the people of Limhi fled from the Lamanite oppression, they had taken all their possession, including their gold, silver, and other things they valued. 

Eventually they arrived in Zarahemla and became a part of Mosiah’s people.  “Indeed, while it lasted, legitimate Nephite kingship remained within the line of Nephi. It is clear, for example, from Mosiah 22:13, that Mosiah's was the primary kingship and that the kingship of the Zeniffite line was derivative and subordinate.”^[1]

We further read:

Adding to the demographic complexity, the people of Limhi had made a dramatic escape from the city of Nephi and arrived in the land of Zarahemla shortly after Mosiah began his reign as king (Mosiah 22:13). The Limhites became Mosiah's subjects, but these righteous, quiet people seem to have settled and remained separate from the city of Zarahemla. They lived in the valley of Gideon, mentioned in Alma 6:7, which appears to have been named after the Limhite warrior named Gideon. If normal social conditions prevailed among the diverse populations in the land of Zarahemla, it is unlikely that many of these newcomers or refugees were fully assimilated as equal citizens into the upper levels of Nephite society. Although Limhi had earlier been named king by his people (Mosiah 19:26), he and his family and followers apparently voluntarily surrendered their claim to kingship; after all, they knew from their own firsthand experiences the kinds of problems that had been foisted upon them by the manipulative and overreaching administration of King Noah (Mosiah 11:3–4). Accordingly, they would not likely have been among those who were agitating for the reinstitution of the kingship after the law reforms of Mosiah.[2]

Mosiah received the people of Limhi.  He was also given their records (“And it came to pass that [King Limhi] caused that the plates which contained the record of his people from the time that they left the land of Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them.” (Mosiah 8:5).) as well as the record we know to be of the Jaredites (“And they brought a record with them, even a record of the people whose bones they had found; and it was engraven on plates of ore” (Mosiah 21:27).).

The Lamanites were not pleased with departure of Limhi’s people.  They sent an army to pursue them.  “And after they had pursued them two days, they could no longer follow their tracks; therefore they were lost in the wilderness.”

How did the Lamanites lose the people of Limhi?

Now elephants or gorillas, we are told in travel books, can be very easily tracked through the densest tropical jungle—and the denser the better, since they are best trailed by broken twigs, branches and other wreckage. But a large host of humans driving flocks and herds (of all things) with them would leave a far more obvious trail. Whence it is plain, as it also is from the enormous distances involved, that our story does not take place in the jungles of Central America. How could their tracks have become lost to the swift and clever Lamanite trackers right behind them? Very easily in arid country, by winds laden with sand and dust, which have rendered many an army invisible and effaced its tracks. But never in a jungle.[3]

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[1] Authority in the Book of Mosiah, Daniel C. Peterson, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 20, 2014.

[2] The Trial of Nehor, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 20, 2014.

[3] The Nature of Book of Mormon Society, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 20, 2014.

Mosiah 22:1-10

Chapter 22

Plans are made for the people to escape from Lamanite bondage—The Lamanites are made drunk—The people escape, return to Zarahemla, and become subject to King Mosiah. About 121–120 B.C.

1 AND now it came to pass that Ammon and king Limhi began to consult with the people how they should deliver themselves out of bondage; and even they did cause that all the people should gather themselves together; and this they did that they might have the voice of the people concerning the matter.

2 And it came to pass that they could find no way to deliver themselves out of bondage, except it were to take their women and children, and their flocks, and their herds, and their tents, and depart into the wilderness; for the Lamanites being so numerous, it was impossible for the people of Limhi to contend with them, thinking to deliver themselves out of bondage by the sword.

3 Now it came to pass that Gideon went forth and stood before the king, and said unto him: Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times when we have been contending with our brethren, the Lamanites.

4 And now O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable servant, or if thou hast hitherto listened to my words in any degree, and they have been of service to thee, even so I desire that thou wouldst listen to my words at this time, and I will be thy servant and deliver this people out of bondage.

5 And the king granted unto him that he might speak.  And Gideon said unto him:

6 Behold the back pass, through the back wall, on the back side of the city.  The Lamanites, or the guards of the Lamanites, by night are drunken; therefore let us send a proclamation among all this people that they gather together their flocks and herds, that they may drive them into the wilderness by night.

7 And I will go according to thy command and pay the last tribute of wine to the Lamanites, and they will be drunken; and we will pass through the secret pass on the left of their camp when they are drunken and asleep.

8 Thus we will depart with our women and our children, our flocks, and our herds into the wilderness; and we will travel around the land of Shilom.

9 And it came to pass that the king hearkened unto the words of Gideon.

10 And king Limhi caused that his people should gather their flocks together; and he sent the tribute of wine to the Lamanites; and he also sent more wine, as a present unto them; and they did drink freely of the wine which king Limhi did send unto them.

Mosiah 22:1-10

Ammon and King Limhi consulted with the people to determine how they would escape the Lamanite rule.  The people were brought together and gave their opinions concerning the matter.  “And it came to pass that when they had gathered themselves together that he spake unto them in this wise, saying: O ye, my people, lift up your heads and be comforted; for behold, the time is at hand, or is not far distant, when we shall no longer be in subjection to our enemies, notwithstanding our many strugglings, which have been in vain; yet I trust there remaineth an effectual struggle to be made” (Mosiah 7:18).

Apparently, fighting the Lamanites was considered and rejected.  The only option that might work was for all the people take their possessions, tents, flocks and herds and escape into the wilderness.

Among the Nephites even after cities were built, uncomfortable or insecure minorities could always flee into the wilderness with their tents … [E]ntire populations would depart into the wilderness and disappear (Mosiah 22:2). These people always seem to have tents at hand…^[1]

Gideon, a leader among Limhi’s people, went to the king.  He reminded Limhi he had listened to him in the past about dealing with the Lamanites.  “O king, if thou hast not found me to be an unprofitable servant,” or if you have listened to me in the past, then Limhi needed to listen to him now.  He said he would be able to deliver the people out of bondage.

Limhi allowed Gideon to speak to the people.  His plan dealt with the Lamanite guards.  “And the king of the Lamanites set guards round about the land, that he might keep the people of Limhi in the land, that they might not depart into the wilderness; and he did support his guards out of the tribute which he did receive from the Nephites” (Mosiah 19:28).

He proposed they should get the guards drunk and they would be able to escape in the night.  He asked for a proclamation telling the people to gather everything together.  They were going to leave.

Gideon volunteered to deliver the tribute of wine to the guards.  They would drink it and become drunk and fall asleep.  This will allow the people of Limhi to escape with all their possessions.  King Limhi agreed.

The wine was sent to the guards, and they assisted the escape by consuming the wine and becoming drunk.

Here we see a different form of escape.  Frequently, the Lord assists in the escape from bondage.  He does so in the case of Alma1 and his people, as we will see.  Yet, here we do not see a miraculous escape.  We see a simple plan by a man and no divine intervention seems to occur.  A unique case in the Book of Mormon, indeed.

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[1] The Nature of Book of Mormon Society, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 18, 2014.

Mosiah 21:21-36

21 For they were desirous to take them that they might punish them; for they had come into the land of Nephi by night, and carried off their grain and many of their precious things; therefore they laid wait for them.

22 And it came to pass that there was no more disturbance between the Lamanites and the people of Limhi, ^*even until the time that Ammon and his brethren came into the land.

23 And the king having been without the gates of the city with his guard, discovered Ammon and his brethren; and supposing them to be priests of Noah therefore he caused that they should be taken, and bound, and cast into prison.  And had they been the priests of Noah he would have caused that they should be put to death.

24 But when he found that they were not, but that they were his brethren, and had come from the land of Zarahemla, he was filled with exceedingly great joy.

25 Now king Limhi had sent, previous to the coming of Ammon, a small number of men to search for the land of Zarahemla; but they could not find it, and they were lost in the wilderness.

26 Nevertheless, they did find a land which had been peopled; yea, a land which was covered with dry bones; yea, a land which had been peopled and which had been destroyed; and they, having supposed it to be the land of Zarahemla, returned to the land of Nephi, having arrived in the borders of the land not many days before the coming of Ammon.

27 And they brought a record with them, even a record of the people whose bones they had found; and it was engraven on plates of ore.

28 And now Limhi was again filled with joy on learning from the mouth of Ammon that king Mosiah had a gift from God, whereby he could +interpret such engravings; yea, and Ammon also did rejoice.

29 Yet Ammon and his brethren were filled with sorrow because so many of their brethren had been slain;

30 And also that king Noah and his priests had caused the people to commit so many sins and iniquities against God; and they also did mourn for the death of Abinadi; and also for the departure of Alma and the people that went with him, who had formed a church of God through the strength and power of God, and faith on the words which had been spoken by Abinadi.

31 Yea, they did mourn for their departure, for they knew not whither they had fled.  Now they would have gladly joined with them, for they themselves had entered into a covenant with God to serve him and keep his commandments.

32 And now since the coming of Ammon, king Limhi had also entered into a covenant with God, and also many of his people, to serve him and keep his commandments.

33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God.  And Ammon declined doing this thing, considering himself an unworthy servant.

34 Therefore they did not at that time form themselves into a church, waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord.  Now they were desirous to become even as Alma and his brethren, who had fled into the wilderness.

35 They were desirous to be baptized as a witness and a testimony that they were willing to serve God with all their hearts; nevertheless they did prolong the time; and an account of their baptism shall be given hereafter.

36 And now all the study of Ammon and his people, and king Limhi and his people, was to deliver themselves out of the hands of the Lamanites and from bondage.

Mosiah 21:21-36

Peace reigned in the land.  One day, Limhi was outside of the city gates with his guards.  They found a group of men whom they believed were some of his father’s priests.  He had them arrested and placed into prison.  It turned out he was mistaken.  He found Ammon and his party.  Remember, we met Ammon in Chapter 7.  They were searching for Limhi’s party and, at this point, didn’t realize they had found them.

7 And behold, they met the king of the people who were in the land of Nephi, and in the land of Shilom; and they were surrounded by the king's guard, and were taken, and were bound, and were committed to prison.

8 And it came to pass when they had been in prison two days they were again brought before the king, and their bands were loosed; and they stood before the king, and were permitted, or rather commanded, that they should answer the questions which he should ask them.

Mosiah 7:7-8

Ammon responded:

12 And now, when Ammon saw that he was permitted to speak, he went forth and bowed himself before the king; and rising again he said: O king, I am very thankful before God this day that I am yet alive, and am permitted to speak; and I will endeavor to speak with boldness;

13 For I am assured that if ye had known me ye would not have suffered that I should have worn these bands.  For I am Ammon, and am a descendant of Zarahemla, and have come up out of the land of Zarahemla to inquire concerning our brethren, whom Zeniff brought up out of that land.

Mosiah 7:12-13

And here, we return to the events described in Chapter 7. Once Limhi learned who they were, there was much rejoicing.  As he spoke to Ammon and his party, he told them of an interesting event.

Limhi decided to send a party to find Zarahemla.  Their purpose was to ask for help freeing themselves from the bondage of the Lamanites.  As this group wandered, they became lost. 

During their search, they found a place where bones were scattered across the land.  Weapons of war were found among the bones.  They also found a set of twenty-four plates.  Ammon told his of their king, who was a seer and could translate the record.

Limhi was rejoiced knowing there was one who could interpret the record found.  The power to translate was mentioned by Amaleki.

20 And it came to pass in the days of Mosiah, there was a large stone brought unto him with engravings on it; and he did interpret the engravings by the gift and power of God.

21 And they gave an account of one Coriantumr, and the slain of his people.  And Coriantumr was discovered by the people of Zarahemla; and he dwelt with them for the space of nine moons.

22 It also spake a few words concerning his fathers.  And his first parents came out from the tower, at the time the Lord confounded the language of the people; and the severity of the Lord fell upon them according to his judgments, which are just; and their bones lay scattered in the land northward.

Omni 1:20-22

In the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, Ammon was recorded as referring to King Benjamin.  In the 1837 edition, it is changed to refer to Mosiah.  It appears this change was made by someone other than Joseph Smith.  Critics use this as an argument against the Book of Mormon.  We don’t know exactly when Ammon left Zarahemla.  It is very much a possibility King Benjamin was still alive when Ammon left.  He lived for three years after Mosiah₂ became king.  Ammon referring to King Benjamin, if he were alive, would have been a natural thing.  The challenge to the Book of Mormon does not stand.[1]

Ammon and his group were told about King Noah, Abinadi, and what Noah’s priests had done.  They also were told about Alma₁ and those who went with him and the church he had formed.

The people of Limhi wanted to be baptized, but no one had authority to perform the ordinance.  Ammon refused, “considering himself an unworthy servant.”  Limhi’s people did make a covenant with God to serve Him and keep His commandments.

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[1] Ignoratio Elenchi: The Dialogue That Never Was, L. Ara Norwood, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 17, 2014.

Mosiah 21:13-20

13 And they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies.

14 And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions.

15 And now the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities; nevertheless the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage.

16 And it came to pass that they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger.

17 Now there was a great number of women, more than there was of men; therefore king Limhi commanded that every man should impart to the support of the widows and their children, that they might not perish with hunger; and this they did because of the greatness of their number that had been slain.

18 Now the people of Limhi kept together in a body as much as it was possible, and secured their grain and their flocks;

19 And the king himself did not trust his person without the walls of the city, unless he took his guards with him, fearing that he might by some means fall into the hands of the Lamanites.

20 And he caused that his people should watch the land round about, that by some means they might take those priests that fled into the wilderness, who had stolen the daughters of the Lamanites, and that had caused such a great destruction to come upon them.

Mosiah 21:13-20

Limhi’s people have attacked the Lamanites three times and were defeated three times.  The people become a defeated and humbled people.  Mormon tells us they humbled “themselves to the dust.”  They accepted the treatment and orders of their captors.

In their humility, they turned to the Lord.  They cried unto Him for deliverance; however, the Lord was slow to hear their cries because of their sins.  This was similar to the Lord’s message to Israel when they demanded a king.  Samuel warned them, “And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day” (1 Samuel 8:18).  This was also a fulfillment of Abinadi’s prophecy, “Yea, and it shall come to pass that when they shall cry unto me I will be slow to hear their cries; yea, and I will suffer them that they be smitten by their enemies” (Mosiah 11:24).

Until the people repent, the Lord is under no compulsion to deliver them. Because the Zeniffites had been forewarned, “the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities” (Mosiah 21:15). He does listen (just as 1 Samuel 8:18 says the Lord will not listen to the people's cries when they are enslaved by their king), after the lesson is learned.^[1]

While not freeing them from their captivity, the Lord did hear the cries.  He softened the hearts of the Lamanites overseers, and the treatment of the people of Limhi was eased.

As time went by, the people began to prosper.  The flocks and herds increased and much grain was raised.  “Grain was perhaps the most important food crop cultivated by the Book of Mormon people. The grain harvest became a measure of prosperity and favor with the Lord…”^[2]

The wars had taken their toll on the population.  Many men died during the battles leaving their wives and children to fend for themselves.  Seeing this, Limhi commanded his people to support the widows and their families.  Limhi, not knowing the words of King Benjamin, followed them.

16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish.

26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

Mosiah 4:16, 26

As much as possible, they people secured their grain and flocks.  The king would not leave the city alone.  He always left with his guards to protect him from possible Lamanite attack.

The people of Limhi also kept their eyes open looking for the Limhi’s father’s priests, the men who had kidnapped the Lamanite daughters and brought upon so much suffering upon them.

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[1] Historical Narrative, Literary Narrative—Expelling Poetics from the Republic of History, Alan Goff, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 15, 2014.

[2] Agriculture in Lehi's World: Some Textual, Historical, Archaeological, and Botanical Insight, Terry B. Ball & Wilford M. Hess, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 15, 2014.

Mosiah 21:1-12

Chapter 21

Limhi's people are smitten and defeated by the Lamanites—They meet Ammon and are converted—They tell Ammon of the twenty–four Jaredite plates. About 122–121 B.C.

1 AND it came to pass that Limhi and his people returned to the city of Nephi, and began to dwell in the land again in peace.

2 And it came to pass that after many days the Lamanites began again to be stirred up in anger against the Nephites, and they began to come into the borders of the land round about.

3 Now they durst not slay them, because of the oath which their king had made unto Limhi; but they would smite them on their cheeks, and exercise authority over them; and began to put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass—

4 Yea, all this was done that the word of the Lord might be fulfilled.

5 And now the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side.

6 And it came to pass that the people began to murmur with the king because of their afflictions; and they began to be desirous to go against them to battle.  And they did afflict the king sorely with their complaints; therefore he granted unto them that they should do according to their desires.

7 And they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land.

8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them.

9 And now there was a great mourning and lamentation among the people of Limhi, the widow mourning for her husband, the son and the daughter mourning for their father, and the brothers for their brethren.

10 Now there were a great many widows in the land, and they did cry mightily from day to day, for a great fear of the Lamanites had come upon them.

11 And it came to pass that their continual cries did stir up the remainder of the people of Limhi to anger against the Lamanites; and they went again to battle, but they were driven back again, suffering much loss.

12 Yea, they went again even the third time, and suffered in the like manner; and those that were not slain returned again to the city of Nephi.

Mosiah 21:1-12

The war was over.  Peace was found in the land.  Eventually, however, the Lamanites became upset with the Nephites.  They moved into the lands around the people of Limhi.

The Lamanites couldn’t kill them because of their king’s oath.  Instead, they abused them.  They hit them and placed heavy burdens upon them. 

They started harassing; that's the way it starts. They couldn't kill them because they had made an oath to King Limhi. (Isn't that nice they observed their oaths? We observe oaths, too, as long as it is convenient. Our treaties with the Indians, for example; there are some "beauties.") But they did bother them and do what Indians would do. They were brutal. They would hit them in the face, boss them around, and then "put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass." That was the prophecy—they started bullying them.[1]

Mormon tells us this was done to fulfill the words of the Lord.  Abinadi warned them of the consequences of their wickedness and they didn’t repent.  Now they were reaping what they had sown.

Things were very had for the Nephites.  Not only were they suffering many afflictions, they were surrounded by the Lamanites.  Things were not looking good.

The people complained about their situation to king.  They wanted to go to war.  Limhi eventually agreed.  The people prepared for war and went forth to attack the Lamanites.

Limhi’s people were roundly defeated.  Many died in the battle.  Mourning was heard throughout the land.  There were many widows in the land. 

Anger increased among Limhi’s people.  They went to battle a second time and suffered a major defeat with many casualties.  They went forward with battle for a third time, and suffered a terrible defeat.

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[1] Teachings of the Book of Mormon – Semester 2, Lecture 38 – Mosiah 20–23, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 12, 2014.

Mosiah 20:12-26

12 And it came to pass that they found the king of the Lamanites among the number of their dead; yet he was not dead, having been wounded and left upon the ground, so speedy was the flight of his people.

13 And they took him and bound up his wounds, and brought him before Limhi, and said: Behold, here is the king of the Lamanites; he having received a wound has fallen among their dead, and they have left him; and behold, we have brought him before you; and now let us slay him.

14 But Limhi said unto them: Ye shall not slay him, but bring him hither that I may see him.  And they brought him.  And Limhi said unto him: What cause have ye to come up to war against my people?  Behold, my people have not broken the oath that I made unto you; therefore, why should ye break the oath which ye made unto my people?

15 And now the king said: I have broken the oath because thy people did carry away the daughters of my people; therefore, in my anger I did cause my people to come up to war against thy people.

16 And now Limhi had heard nothing concerning this matter; therefore he said: I will search among my people and whosoever has done this thing shall perish.  Therefore he caused a search to be made among his people.

17 Now when Gideon had heard these things, he being the king's captain, he went forth and said unto the king: I pray thee forbear, and do not search this people, and lay not this thing to their charge.

18 For do ye not remember the priests of thy father, whom this people sought to destroy?  And are they not in the wilderness?  And are not they the ones who have stolen the daughters of the Lamanites?

19 And now, behold, and tell the king of these things, that he may tell his people that they may be pacified towards us; for behold they are already preparing to come against us; and behold also there are but few of us.

20 And behold, they come with their numerous hosts; and except the king doth pacify them towards us we must perish.

21 For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?

22 And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood.

23 And now Limhi told the king all the things concerning his father, and the priests that had fled into the wilderness, and attributed the carrying away of their daughters to them.

24 And it came to pass that the king was pacified towards his people; and he said unto them: Let us go forth to meet my people, without arms; and I swear unto you with an oath that my people shall not slay thy people.

25 And it came to pass that they followed the king, and went forth without arms to meet the Lamanites.  And it came to pass that they did meet the Lamanites; and the king of the Lamanites did bow himself down before them, and did plead in behalf of the people of Limhi.

26 And when the Lamanites saw the people of Limhi, that they were without arms, they had compassion on them and were pacified towards them, and returned with their king in peace to their own land.

Mosiah 20:12-26

Limhi’s people have successfully defeated the Lamanite army.  As they walked through the battlefield, the found the Lamanite king, seriously wounded.  He had been left by his army’s retreat.

They bound the king and treated his wounds.  He was brought before Limhi.  They wanted him dead.

Limhi refused to have him put to death.  Instead, he wanted the king brought to him.  When the king arrived, Limhi asked him the most obvious question.  Why have you started a war?  We haven’t broken the oath we made, yet you broke the oath.  Why?

The Lamanites were aware that the crime was kidnapping, and possibly worse, for the king told Limhi that "thy people did carry away the daughters of my people" (Mosiah 20:15). Hence, as I understand this passage, either there were witnesses, or one or more of the young women successfully escaped the priests.^[1]

Obviously, Limhi knew nothing about this.  He assured the king he would question his people.  If they find the guilty party, he would be put to death.  

Gideon, the king’s captain, went to him.  He asked him not to question his people and look for someone who committed this crime.  He reminded him about his father’s priests.  They had to have been the ones responsible for the kidnaping. 

Gideon suggested he explain all this to this king.  This may calm things as they are preparing another attack.  The Lamanites were many, the Nephites were few.

Gideon reminded Limhi the words of Abinadi had been fulfilled.  His father suffered death by fire.  The people of Limhi are in bondage to the Lamanites and are facing possible annihilation.  “Abinadi's stature as a prophet of Christ was securely enhanced by the prompt and literal fulfillment of his prophecies about the fate of Noah and his priests. Abinadi prophesied that the people of Limhi would be hunted and driven, which soon came to pass (Mosiah 20:21).”^[2] 

Gideon’s final argument was it is better to be in bondage than dead.  This would put an end to any more bloodshed.

Limhi took Gideon’s advice.  He went to the king and explained the situation with his father and is priests.  He explained they were responsible for the kidnapping. 

The king accepted Limhi’s word.  He told Limhi he would go to his people, unarmed, and see to it his people would not kill Limhi’s people.

The king then performed a remarkable act of humility.  He went before his army, “bow[ed] himself before them, and did please in behalf of the people of Limhi.”

Seeing the people of Limhi had no arms, they returned to their land and the two societies lived in peace.  Hugh Nibley sums up the resolution of the situation.

Here was a perfect set-up for a long war; but because Limhi took the pains to investigate, and Gideon talked sense instead of heroic clichés, and a proud king was willing to humble himself before his subjects, and those subjects were willing to have compassion on a hereditary foe, and because the people of both sides, though both had been attacked without provocation, were able to see that a mistake had been made, the story had a happy ending.[3]

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[1] Marriage and Treaty in the Book of Mormon:  The Case of the Abducted Lamanite Daughters, S. Kent Brown, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 10, 2014.

[2] The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon – The Trial of Abinadi, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 10, 2014.

[3] Since Cumorah – Good People and Bad People, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute, accessed November 10, 2014.