Chapter 61
Pahoran tells Moroni
of the insurrection and rebellion against the government—The king–men take
Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid
against the rebels. About 62 B.C.
We have read General Moroni’s angry letter to Pahoran and
the government. We will now discuss Pahoran’s response.
Elder Neal Maxwell summarizes Chapters 60 and 61. “Moroni
was not the first underinformed leader to conclude that another leader was not
doing enough. Nor was Pahoran’s sweet, generous response to his “beloved
brother” Moroni the last such that will be needed.”[1]
Pahoran begins his letter by telling Moroni he is grieved by
the sufferings of your troops.[2]
There are, however, those who rejoice in the suffering of
those in the army. These people have began a rebellion against him, the
government, and the people who are freemen.[3]
The number of those in rebellion were numerous.
They have attempted to overthrow the government and place a
new chief judge on the judgement seat. They have flattered the people and led
them away. “For there is no
faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue” (Psalms 5:9).
“Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him
with their tongues” (Psalms 78:36). “A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin”
(Proverbs 26:28).
These are those who have withheld provisions and prevented
additional troops being sent to strengthen the army.
Those in rebellion succeed in forcing Pahoran to flee for
his safety to the land of Gideon. In the land of Gideon, people were coming and
joining the army, preparing to defend their country and freedoms.[4]
The army being formed is so strong the rebels refused to
meet them in battle. The rebels held the land of Zarahemla and appointed a king
to rule the land. He is protecting the land with the hope it will allow the
Lamanites to defeat the Nephites. He hoped he would be appointed king of the
land when the Lamanites took over the land.
He acknowledge Moroni had condemned him,[5]
but that didn’t matter. He was not angry; to the contrary, he rejoiced in
Moroni’s passion. The only reason Pahoran wanted to retain the judgement seat
was to preserve the rights and freedoms of his people. He supports the God
given liberty responsible for the freedom.
He would do all he could to resist wickedness, even if it
meant war. Like Helaman, he would rather not fight and kill the Lamanites.[6]
All they had to do was stay in their own lands. Likewise, the only reason he
will fight Nephites is because some rose up in rebellion and began a civil war.
Pahoran would allow themselves to enter bondage if this were
a requirement of the justice of God or His command. He doesn’t command them to
enter bondage. He requires they place their faith and trust He will deliver
them. “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them” (Psalms
22:4).
“The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of
them that trust in him shall be desolate” (Psalms 34:22).
“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart
before him: God is a refuge for us.” (Psalms
62:8).
“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield” (Psalms 115:9).
“It is better to trust
in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:8).
Let us all resist evil. Even if there are times we cannot
resist rebellions and dissensions with our words, we can resist evil with
swords so we can keep our freedoms and the way we worship. “And again, the Lord
has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for
this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend
themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their
rights, and their religion” (Alma 43:47).
Pahoran requested Moroni gather a small army together. Leave
the remainder of the army under the command Teancum and Lehi, Moroni was told. Give
them the authority to conduct the war as guided by the Spirit of God, which is
also the spirit of freedom. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit
of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).
Some provisions had been sent to Teancum and Lehi to keep
the armies functioning.
With Moroni’s assistance, “in the strength of God according
to the faith which is in us” (Alma 61:17), they will be able to retake
possession of the land of Zarahemla. They will be able to send provisions and
reinforcements to the army.
Pahoran was worried about Moroni and his troops. He gave his
last orders.
“See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord;[7]
tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand
fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine
epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni” (Alma 61:21).
[2] “And
now behold, I say unto you that myself, and also my men, and also Helaman and
his men, have suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea, even hunger, thirst,
and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind … Can you think to sit
upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor” (Alma 60:3, 7).
[3] “And
those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land
took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for
the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges
of their religion by a free government. And it came to pass that this matter of
their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass
that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained
the judgment–seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran
and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king–men to silence,
that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom” (Alma
51:6-7).
[4] “And
it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard, and did take up
their swords in the defence of their freedom, that they might not come into
bondage” (Alma 62:5).
[5] “For
all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified” (D&C
101:5).
[6] “For
as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even
so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer
that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if
they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the
army of Antipus.” (Alma 56:46).
[7] “And
I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name,
saith the LORD” (Zechariah 10:12).
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