Helaman 6:15-41

The last year had ended in peace, things changed in the next year. Cezoram, the wicked chief judge, was assassinated. It was never learned who was responsible for the assassination. Cezoram’s son was appointed to be the chief judge. He didn’t live long. He was assassinated before the end of the year.

The format of the book of Helaman gives us insight into how Mormon chose to organize the Book of Mormon. “The fundamental format of the plates of Nephi was that of annals. Annals are yearly summaries of salient events. This format is clearly reflected at many points in the Book of Mormon, for example in Helaman 6:15: ‘And it came to pass that in the sixty and sixth year of the reign of the judges, behold, Cezoram was murdered by an unknown hand as he sat upon the judgment-seat. And it came to pass that in the same year, that his son, who had been appointed by the people in his stead, was also murdered. And thus ended the sixty and sixth year.’ That is how Mormon chose to summarize the record for that year.”[1]

The next year, the people turned to wickedness. They had been blessed with riches. There had been no war or bloodshed. This allowed them to pursue wealth. Many began to do what they could so they would be better off than others. They had no problems with robbing and plundering as well as murder to get more riches.

The Lord warned us against building riches at any cost. “In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble” (Proverbs 15:6).

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

“But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also” (2 Nephi 9:30).

Most murders were done secretly. “Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death” (3 Nephi 6:23).

The city of Jacobugath paid the ultimate price. “And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them” (3 Nephi 9:9).

Mormon tells us about Kishkumen’s band of outlaws.[2] There were many who were a part of the band. The band extended to the Lamanites. They were eventually known as the Gadianton robbers. We learn Gadianton’s group was responsible for the assassination of both Cezoram and his son. The assassins were never caught.

Satan stirred up the hearts of the Nephites. A large number of Nephites joined the robbers and entered into their oaths and covenants. They also had their own secret signs and secret words to recognize a fellow robber. Here we see the devil mocking religion. Oaths and covenants are a sacred part of our religion. Requiring those who joined the band to accept their oaths and covenants is a sign of a counterfeit religion.

Unlike the Nephites, the Lamanites were not happy when the found the robbers among them. They did all they could to “destroy them off the face of the earth” (Helaman 6:20).

They existed to murder, plunder, steal, commit whoredoms and all manner of sin. They delighted in violating the laws of country and God.

Should someone reveal their secrets, they would be tried according to the laws and rules of the Gadianton robbers.

The Jaredites were destroyed by the same secret combinations that were springing up among the Nephites. The records that were translated by Mosiah.

Mormon reminds us of Alma’s instructions to Helaman when he passed the plates to him. Referring to King Mosiah’s translation of the Jaredite plates, he warns him:

And now, my son, we see that they did not repent; therefore they have been destroyed, and thus far the word of God has been fulfilled; yea, their secret abominations have been brought out of darkness and made known unto us.

And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed.

For behold, there is a curse upon all this land, that destruction shall come upon all those workers of darkness, according to the power of God, when they are fully ripe; therefore I desire that this people might not be destroyed.

Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their oaths and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness and their murders and their abominations shall ye make known unto them; and ye shall teach them to abhor such wickedness and abominations and murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness and abominations and their murders.

For behold, they murdered all the prophets of the Lord who came among them to declare unto them concerning their iniquities; and the blood of those whom they murdered did cry unto the Lord their God for vengeance upon those who were their murderers; and thus the judgments of God did come upon these workers of darkness and secret combinations.

Yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully ripe.

And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity. (Alma 37:26-32)

True to Alma’s admonition, he plates were not made available to the people. Mormon tells us the secret oaths and covenants “were put into the heart of Gadianton by that same being who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit” (Helaman 6:26).

He reminds us of the evil work of Satan. He tells us the same being (Satan) who gave Gadianton these mock oaths and covenants was the same being who worked with Cain to murder Abel. He continued to work with Cain and his followers.

He is the same being who influence the builders of the tower of Babel.

He is the same being who influence the Jaredites to establish their secret combinations, which would eventually led to their destruction as a people

Satan ensures his secrets are passed on from generation-to-generation. He uses them as a tool to get hold of the hearts of man.

Who were the Gadianton robbers?

The Gadianton robbers are a particularly heinous example of dissension. They erode Nephite society from within and without and are motivated primarily by the evil objectives of Satan, not simply the personal ambitions of conquest, greed, and revenge. The contrast between following unrighteous personal ambitions and consciously embracing satanic objectives seems to distinguish “priestcrafts” in the Book of Mormon from “secret combinations.” The latter organize themselves according to the “secret oaths and covenants” of Satan and “spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land” in order to bring “the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell” (Helaman 6:25–30). Because of their categorical opposition to the covenant of the promised land, Mormon credits the “band of Gadianton” with “the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi” (Helaman 2:13).^[3]

The secret combinations rapidly spread among the Nephites.  The more part of the Nephites became part of the secret combination.  This description of the world before the flood applies to the Nephites. “And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth” (Genesis 6:12).

They trampled the commandments of God under their feet and turned their own ways. “For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet.  Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels” (1 Nephi 19:7).

Turning away from God, they built idols from their gold and silver.   “And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so” (Judges 2:17).

“Yea, wo unto those that worship idols, for the devil of all devils delighteth in them” (2 Nephi 9:37).

The amazing thing about the Nephites is how fast they go from a righteous, faithful people to a wicked people, following the desires of Satan.  “Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one” (Alma 46:8).

“For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man.  And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years” (Helaman 4:26).

“But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come” (Alma 7:6).

The Lamanites, seeing the wickedness of the Nephites, sent missionaries to the Nephites to preach the word of God.  The Lamanites also hunted down the robbers among them.  They destroyed the robbers among their people.

We see the Nephites “were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction” (Helaman 6:40).

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[1] Mormon’s Sources, John L. Sorenson, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20/2 (2011): 4.

[2] “For there was one Gadianton, who was exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery; therefore he became the leader of the band of Kishkumen … And more of this Gadianton shall be spoken hereafter. And thus ended the forty and second year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And behold, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi” (Helaman 2:4, 12-13).

[3] Prospering in the Land of Promise, Steven L. Olsen, FARMS Review 22/1 (2010): 238.

Helaman 6:1-14

Chapter 6

The righteous Lamanites preach to the wicked Nephites—Both peoples prosper during an era of peace and plenty—Lucifer, the author of sin, guides the Gadianton robbers in their murders and wickedness—They take over the Nephite government. About 29–23 B.C.

The Lamanites, having accepted the gospel, were a righteous people. On the other hand, the Nephites were not as righteous as the Lamanites.[1] Many Nephites had become grossly wicked. They rejected the word of God and ignored the word that was preached to them. Paul very well could have written this about the Nephites.

“And even as they did not like to retain [GR discern, choose] God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate [GR worthless, unable to stand test] mind. to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate [GR strife, discord], deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters [GR Slanderers], haters of God, despiteful [GR violent, overbearing], proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them [GR approve of them, sympathize with them] that do them” (Romans 1:28-32).

The Lamanites saw the wickedness of the Nephites and sent missionaries to the Nephites, commanding them to repent of their sins.

The Lamanites preached with the power and authority of the Lord. “And I did rehearse unto them the words of Isaiah, who spake concerning the restoration of the Jews, or of the house of Israel; and after they were restored they should no more be confounded, neither should they be scattered again. And it came to pass that I did speak many words unto my brethren, that they were pacified and did humble themselves before the Lord” (1 Nephi 15:20).

“And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years” (Alma 48:20).

Many who heard their words humbled themselves and accepted their words. The Lamanites move throughout the lands where the Nephites lived. They taught in the land northward. Nephi and Lehi also went to the land northward. Eventually, the Nephite and Lamanite missionaries covered all parts of the land, whether they were Nephites or Lamanites.

During this time, Lamanites and Nephites became wealthy. Gold and silver were plentiful throughout the land along with all other precious metals.

Workman worked with all types of metals and ore. Farming also prospered. Grains grew in abundance. There were numerous flocks and herds as well. Women spun all types of cloth and linen.

Peace reigned through the land for the next two years.

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[1] Throughout the book of Helaman, we will see this (Lamanites more righteous than the Nephites). “And now it came to pass in the eighty and sixth year, the Nephites did still remain in wickedness, yea, in great wickedness, while the Lamanites did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God, according to the law of Moses” (Helaman 13:1).

Helaman 5:34-51

Nephi and Lehi are in a Lamanite prison. They are surrounded by what looks like fire, a divine protection and sign. The remainder of the Lamanites are in a cloud of darkness. They can’t move because of their fear.

Among this group was a Nephite dissenter. He had belonged to the church in the past. He turned around and saw, through the darkness their faces glowed. This is one sign someone had been speaking with or on a special mission for the Lord. “And it came to pass, when Moses came down from mount Sinai with the two tables of testimony in Moses' hand, when he came down from the mount, that Moses wist [OR knew] not that the skin of his face shone while he talked with him” (Exodus 34:29).

“And all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on [Stephen], saw his face as it had been the face of an angel” (Acts 6:15).

“Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him; and his face shone with exceeding luster, even as Moses' did while in the mount of Sinai, while speaking with the Lord” (Mosiah 13:5).

The dissenter, named Aminadab, spoke to the people, telling them to look at Nephi and Lehi.

Seeing this, they turned to Aminadab, asking him to explain what these things men. Who are these men?

In what is a key element of their conversion, the Nephite dissenter Aminadab reminds his fellow Lamanites that Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom had taught them faith in Christ nearly 45 years earlier (Helaman 5:41), presumably during the mission to the Zoramites.[1] Shortly after this mission, the Zoramites who remained unconverted “became Lamanites” (Alma 43:4). Assuming that some of the dissenters in the prison had heard these prophets preach to the Zoramites, several elements of the prison narrative in Helaman 5 would have both recalled and graphically reinforced for them those earlier prophetic teachings. Indeed, this possible connection between the two events is strengthened by the parallel language in both narratives.[2]

The Lamanites asked Aminadab what they could do to remove the cloud of darkness. He responded they must repent, have faith in Christ, and cry unto the Lord. He reminded them this was taught to them by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:37-39).

Hearing Amindab’s words, they people cried unto the Lord. Over time, the cloud of darkness dispersed. They saw they were surrounded by fire.

In the center they saw Nephi and Lehi. The fire didn’t consume anything. They hearts were filled with unspeakable joy and the glory of God. The Holy Spirit came down from heaven and filled their hearts with fire. “And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not” (3 Nephi 9:20).

“And it came to pass when they were all baptized and had come up out of the water, the Holy Ghost did fall upon them, and they were filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire. And behold, they were encircled about as if it were by fire; and it came down from heaven, and the multitude did witness it, and did bear record; and angels did come down out of heaven and did minister unto them” (3 Nephi 19:13-14).

“Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost” (Ether 12:14).

Then a voice came from the heavens. It was a pleasant, voice. It came to them like a whisper.

“Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world” (Helaman 5:47).

“[L]earn to hear the voice of the Lord. His is a still, small, and whisper-like voice. It is one that is felt more than it is heard. It comes in the form of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. To hear such a voice, you must be still and quiet in your own soul, laying aside your excess laughter and light-mindedness. While it may not seem easy to so discipline your life, hearing the precious, loving voice of the Lord will sustain you in every circumstance and is therefore worth every effort.”[3]

Then, the heavens opened and angels came down and ministered to the people.

All told, there was around three hundred people who were converted that day. They were told to go out and tell the people what had happened.

They went out and told the people what had happened. Through their testimonies, a large part of the Lamanites were converted to the gospel. Those who were converted, put away their weapons or war and their hatred and traditions of their fathers.

Typically, when the scriptures allude to "the traditions of men" or "the traditions of the fathers," they are speaking negatively about the false notions that hinder people from recognizing and accepting the truth (e.g., at I Peter 1:18; D&C 74:4; 93:39). "Why do ye … transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" the Savior asked his audience (Matthew 15:3). "For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men" (Mark 7:8). The Lamanites, too, were misled by the false traditions of their fathers (Mosiah 1:5; 10:12-3; Alma 9:16; 60:32; Helaman 15:4). Salvation therefore consists, at least partially, in overcoming false traditions (Alma 9:17; Helaman 5:5 1; 15:7-8; D&C 74:6-7)…[4]

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[1] The only time when these three prophets are specifically said to have served together was during the mission to the Zoramites (Alma 31:6), though it is possible that they served together at other times as well.

[2] Was Aminadab a Zoramite? Matthew Roper, Insights: A Window on the Ancient World Volume 24, 2004, pg. 2.

[3] Winning the War against Evil, Elder James J. Hamula, October 2008 General Conference.

[4] Editor’s Introduction: Traditions of the Fathers, Daniel C. Peterson. FARMS Review of Books 9/1 (1997): vi.

Helaman 5:13-34

Lehi and Nephi decided to base their preaching on the words of their father. They left and went to the city of Bountiful. From there they one to the cities of Gid and Mulek.

They continued preaching from one city to another. Eventually they preached to all the Nephites. They then moved into the land of Zarahemla to preach among the Lamanites.

The two brothers taught with great power. The power of their preaching came from the presence of the Spirit. “And the spirit entered into me when he spake unto me, and set me upon my feet, that I heard him that spake unto me” (Ezekiel 2:2).

“But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth, and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 3:27).

“For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matthew 10:20).

“And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing [GR persuasive] words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4).

Their words amazed the dissenters who had gone over to the Lamanites. Many were baptized and returned to the Nephites. They worked to undo the damage they caused.

Nephi and Lehi taught the Lamanites with power and authority. “Therefore, verily I say unto you, lift up your voices unto this people; speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts, and you shall not be confounded before men; For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say” (D&C 100:5-8).

The Lamanites were convinced. Eight thousand were baptized. They rejected the traditions of their fathers. “But behold my brethren, the Lamanites hath [the Lord] hated because their deeds have been evil continually, and this because of the iniquity of the tradition of their fathers. But behold, salvation hath come unto them through the preaching of the Nephites; and for this intent hath the Lord prolonged their days” (Helaman 15:4).

“In Mormon’s abridgment the Lamanites are governed for the most part not by divine law but by the ‘traditions of their fathers,’ which are preserved by oral transmission rather than by sacred records. As a result, Mormon labels their religious beliefs and practices as ‘incorrect,’ ‘false,’ ‘foolish,’ ‘wicked,’ ‘silly,’ and ‘abominable.’ Replacing Lamanite tradition with divine law is one of the principal objectives of Nephite missionary initiatives. In an ironic twist to this practice, dissident Nephites occasionally accuse Nephite religious leaders of believing in incorrect traditions in order to justify their own apostate beliefs and practices (Alma 9:8; 30:14–31; 31:16, 22).”[1]

Nephi and Lehi traveled to the land of Nephi. This is the same area where the sons of Mosiah had so much success in their missionary efforts to the Lamanites. Nephi and Lehi were cast into the same prisons as were the sons of Mosiah. “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” (Mosiah 7:7).

“That the Lamanites never became as skilled in building as the Nephites is illustrated by the fact that Nephi and Lehi, sons of Helaman, were cast by the Lamanites into the same prison where Ammon and his brethren had been incarcerated nearly a century earlier (Helaman 5 :21). In Ammon's day, the prison was controlled by the Nephite king Limhi (Mosiah 7:7-8; 21 :23).”^[2]

“They were kept in prisons for a while. They were not fed on a daily basis. Even though Helaman’s sons were persecuted and put in prison, [the words of their father] never failed them.”[3]

The day came when the Lamanites came to execute them. When they arrived at the prison, they saw Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by what looked like fire. The Lamanites became afraid and refused to take them, as they feared being burned by the flames. They also saw Nephi and Lehi weren’t burned.

When they saw they were surrounded by fire and the Lamanite’s fear, they were strengthened. They began to preach to their captives.

Have no fear, the Lamanites were told. God has shown you this great miracle. You cannot kill us as were are protected by the Lord.

Next, the land shook. The walls of the prison shook so much they feared they would collapse on them. They were overshadowed by a cloud of darkness. A voice came out of the cloud.

“Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings” (Helaman 5:29).

As we have seen, the voice of the Lord is not a voice of thunder and noise.  It is perfect mildness, like a whisper.  Even so, the voice pierced the listener to their soul. 

“[L]earn to hear the voice of the Lord. His is a still, small, and whisper-like voice. It is one that is felt more than it is heard. It comes in the form of thoughts, feelings, and impressions. To hear such a voice, you must be still and quiet in your own soul, laying aside your excess laughter and light-mindedness. While it may not seem easy to so discipline your life, hearing the precious, loving voice of the Lord will sustain you in every circumstance and is therefore worth every effort.”[4]

Again, the earth shook and the walls looked like they were about to collapse. The shadow of darkness did not disperse.

Again, they heard the voice. “Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants” (Helaman 5:32). The earth again became to shake. 

The voice came a third time.  It “did speak unto them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man” (Helaman 5:33).  The earth shook again. Because of the cloud of darkness, the Lamanites could not move. 

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[1] The Covenant of the Chosen People: The Spiritual Foundations of Ethnic Identity in the Book of Mormon, Steven L. Olsen, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 21/2 (2012): 23.

[2] Review of New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology (1993), edited by Brent Lee Metcalfe, John Tvedtnes, Review of Books on the Book of Mormon 6/1 (1994): 32.

[3] The Words We Speak, Sister Rosemary M. Wixom, April 2013 General Conference

[4] Winning the War against Evil, Elder James J. Hamula, October 2008 General Conference

Helaman 5:1-12

Chapter 5

Nephi and Lehi devote themselves to preaching—Their names invite them to pattern their lives after their forebears—Christ redeems those who repent—Nephi and Lehi make many converts and are imprisoned, and fire encircles them—A cloud of darkness overshadows three hundred people—The earth shakes and a voice commands men to repent—Nephi and Lehi converse with angels, and the multitude are encircled by fire. About 30 B.C.

Seeing the wickedness of the people, Nephi followed the example of his grandfather, Alma. “And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment–seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy” (Alma 4:20).

Nephi resigned and Cezoram became chief judge.

The voice of the people chose the chief judge. Mosiah foresaw a day like this. “Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord … And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land” (Mosiah 29:25-27).

Those who chose evil were more numerous than those that chose good. The Nephites had been warned of the consequences. “And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction” (Helaman 6:40). “And now behold, I command you, that ye shall go and declare unto this people, that thus saith the Lord God, who is the Almighty: Except ye repent ye shall be smitten, even unto destruction” (Helaman 10:11).

We have also received this warning in this dispensation. “Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity; and it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel” (D&C 18:6).

“And in that place they shall lift up their voices unto God against that people, yea, unto him whose anger is kindled against their wickedness, a people who are well–nigh ripened for destruction”

(D&C 61:31).

Not only did they reject a righteous judge, they were beyond being government by Nephite law and justice. Only destruction would change their course.

Nephi stepped down to preach the gospel to the people throughout the remainder of his life. His brother, Lehi, taught with his brother.

Mormon tells us they remembered the words of Helaman, their father.

He began by telling them to always keep God’s commandments. This is the message they should declare to the people.

He gave them the names of “our first parents” (Helaman 5:6). When they remember their names, they will remember their ancestors. They should remember their works. They were good men, serving the Lord.

Helaman also wants them to do these things to lay up treasures in heaven. Avoid boasting. Laying up treasures in heaven will led to eternal life.

“Remember the words of King Benjamin. “And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17).

He reminded them of Amulek’s words to Zeezrom. “And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else” (Alma 11:40).

The Savior has been given power from the Father to redeem mankind from their sins.  It is through repentance and the power of the Redemption we will receive salvation.

Helaman admonished them to remember we are to build our foundations upon the rock of our Redeemer.  “Be thou my strong habitation, whereunto I may continually resort: thou hast given commandment to save me; for thou art my rock and my fortress” (Psalms 71:3).

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto [GR he will resemble] a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it” (Matthew 7:24-27).

“Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail” (D&C 6:34).

“Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste” (Isaiah 28:16).

“But behold, according to the scriptures, this stone shall become the great, and the last, and the only sure foundation, upon which the Jews can build” (Jacob 4:16).

Helaman 4:18-26

Moronihah, having retaken half the land lost, was not able to retake more. “For some time the battle stalls in what looks to be a protracted stalemate (see Helaman 4:18), and the Nephite state faces an exceptional circumstance in which its very existence is jeopardized (see 4:20).”^[1]

The Lamanites had a much larger army. The Nephites realized if they attacked, they would be overpowered and killed.

In a bad situation, the people began to remember prophecies by the Nephite prophets. They remembered Alma’s words. “And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?” (Alma 5:53).

They also remembered the words of King Mosiah. “And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land” (Mosiah 29:27).

They realized they had become a wicked people and had failed to keep God’s commandments. “But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof” (Proverbs 1:25).

They had ignored the laws of Moses, which had been accepted as law at the end of King Mosiah’s reign. “Now it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established laws, and they were acknowledged by the people; therefore they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made” (Alma 1:1).

Membership in the church declined during this time. They rejected the spirit of prophecy and revelations. Now, they faced the judgements of God.

The people had become spiritually weak like the Lamanites. The Spirit of the Lord no longer preserved them. The Lord warns us throughout the scriptures. “Why are thy valiant men swept away? they stood not, because the LORD did drive them. He made many to fall, yea, one fell upon another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our nativity, from the oppressing sword. They did cry there, Pharaoh king of Egypt is but a noise; he hath passed the time appointed” (Jeremiah 46:15-17).

“Yea, and moreover I say unto you, that if this highly favored people of the Lord should fall into transgression, and become a wicked and an adulterous people, that the Lord will deliver them up, that thereby they become weak like unto their brethren; and he will no more preserve them by his matchless and marvelous power, as he has hitherto preserved our fathers” (Mosiah 1:13).

The Spirit no longer dwelt within them. He will not dwell in unholy places. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing [GR deceitful] spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1).

“How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit” (Jude 1:18-19).

“But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught” (2 Nephi 33:2).

“And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom's paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved. I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples” (Mosiah 2:36-37).

“For behold, if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable; yea, and whosoever murdereth against the light and knowledge of God, it is not easy for him to obtain forgiveness; yea, I say unto you, my son, that it is not easy for him to obtain a forgiveness” (Alma 39:6).

“To become unspotted from the world requires not only faith but repentance and obedience. We must live the standards and do those things which will entitle us to the constant companionship and guidance of the Holy Ghost—for the Spirit cannot dwell in unholy temples.”[2]

“And he doth not dwell in unholy temples; neither can filthiness or anything which is unclean be received into the kingdom of God; therefore I say unto you the time shall come, yea, and it shall be at the last day, that he who is filthy shall remain in his filthiness” (Alma 7:21).

“And this I know, because the Lord hath said he dwelleth not in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous doth he dwell; yea, and he has also said that the righteous shall sit down in his kingdom, to go no more out; but their garments should be made white through the blood of the Lamb” (Alma 34:36).

The Nephites were not protected by the power of God because of their unbelief. “And [the Savior] marvelled because of their unbelief [OR lack of faith]. And he went round about the villages, teaching” (Mark 6:6). “Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen” (Mark 16:14).

Their only hope was to cleave unto the Lord. Should they fail to do this, they will be destroyed. “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I beseech of you in words of soberness that ye would repent, and come with full purpose of heart, and cleave unto God as he cleaveth unto you. And while his arm of mercy is extended towards you in the light of the day, harden not your hearts” (Jacob 6:5).

“Yea, cleave unto me with all your heart, that you may assist in bringing to light those things of which has been spoken—yea, the translation of my work; be patient until you shall accomplish it” (D&C 11:19).

The Nephites and Lamanites were evenly matched. While the Nephites had been stronger, through the sins, they became a weak people in a few years.

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[1] For the Peace of the People: War and Democracy in the Book of Mormon, Ryan W. Davis, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 16/1 (2007): 51.

[2] Look toward Eternity! Sister Elaine S. Dalton, October 2006 General Conference.

Helaman 4:1-17

I apologize for a lack of posts over the last two weeks. Two weeks ago, I had emergency surgery. I’m home and feeling much better. I’m ready to continue my posts. I missed doing them, so it’s great to be back.

Chapter 4

Nephite dissenters and the Lamanites join forces and take the land of Zarahemla—The Nephites' defeats come because of their wickedness—The Church dwindles and the people become weak like the Lamanites. About 38–30 B.C.

There was a period of three years of peace in the land. But once again, contentions and dissensions arose in the church. As we have seen, the Lamanites are not the primary cause of the Nephites problems. It is the Nephites themselves. Their internal contentions and dissension led to their problems.

Looking at the history of the Nephites, we see why, during the Savior’s ministry, he warned the Nephites, “he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another” (3 Nephi 11:29).

Bloodshed broke out. The dissenters were defeated and force out of the land. The dissenters went straight to the Lamanites, stirring them up to war. In this instance, the Lamanites feared the Nephites and refused to fight.

The next year, dissenters continued to stir up the Lamanites. This time, they were successful. They began to prepare for war.

When ready, they attacked the Nephites. Over the next year, they successfully occupied the land of Zarahemla as well as the lands near Bountiful.

The Nephites retreated and fortified the land, from sea-to-sea. They were there to prevent Lamanites advances.

The Lamanite success was due to the dissenters as well as having a large army. Earlier in Helaman we read, “And they came down again that they might pitch battle against the Nephites. And they were led by a man whose name was Coriantumr; and he was a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was a dissenter from among the Nephites; and he was a large and a mighty man” (Helaman 1:15).

During this time, we see aspects of the Lord’s covenant with the Nephites and the consequences of following or violating them.

When Nephites reject their righteous leaders, the society disintegrates in a variety of ways.

• Groups adopt alternate religions. If these groups foment social discord, they either are defeated or defect and become Lamanites (Alma 1–4; 30–34).
• The government is seriously weakened so that the military must restore the social order by force (Alma 61–62; Helaman 1).
• Dissenting Nephites and Lamanites gain control of traditional Nephite lands (Helaman 4). Gadianton robbers threaten the future of the Nephite nation (Helaman 2, 6–7; 3 Nephi 1–3). Disparate clans and lineages assume control of the Nephite polity (3 Nephi 6–7).
• The government falls completely apart, and the society collapses as the Nephites totally reject the covenant. As a result, they are destroyed as a people (Mormon 1–7).[1]

The third condition of the covenant of the chosen people concerns the balance of power between the Nephites and Lamanites. Mormon consistently accounts for their conflicts in terms of Nephi’s covenant model. When Nephites are righteous, Lamanites have no power over them, and they enjoy relative peace and prosperity. By contrast, the Lamanites consistently play the role of scourge when the Nephiteselves physically from the main body and come under the control of a corrupt leader such as King Noah (Mosiah 9–22);

• Reject Nephite religious and political authority, as did the city of Ammonihah (Alma 8–16);
• Undermine Nephite central government, for example, the “king-men” (Alma 51, 60);
• Repeatedly assassinate duly appointed Nephite leaders (Helaman 1); and
• Reject inspired spiritual warnings, even from a Lamanite prophet (Helaman 4, 13–15).[2]

The next year, they Nephites retook half of what they had lost.

Mormon breaks into his account to remind us this war would not have happened had the people been righteous. Wickedness was common even among church members. “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10). “Nevertheless he cried again, saying: Alma, arise and stand forth, for why persecutest thou the church of God? For the Lord hath said: This is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall overthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people” (Mosiah 27:13).

The sufferings of the Nephites were brought upon them because of the wickedness. We read they were led by the pride of their hearts. “The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?” (Obadiah 1:3). “He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted” (D&C 101:42).

Their pride occurred because of their riches. “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17). “And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them” (2 Nephi 9:42).

They withheld assistance to the poor. “Hath oppressed the poor and needy, hath spoiled by violence, hath not restored the pledge, and hath lifted up his eyes to the idols, hath committed abomination” (Ezekiel 18:12). “And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart” (Zechariah 7:10). “And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken” (D&C 42:30)

The rich would mock that which is sacred. They denied prophecy and revelation. They sins were number – lying, stealing, murdering, ponderation, lying, stealing and being a contention people. This is why the Lamanites were so successful in their war against the Nephites.

Following a period of military successes against their enemies, the Nephites demonstrated the familiar pattern of sliding from unity to a love of riches, from a love of riches to separations, and from separations to hostility and inequality. First, they set their hearts on riches and used them to separate themselves from those who had less. Next they made worse the condition of the poor by withholding from them food and clothing. Then they mocked that which was sacred and ignored their laws by murdering, plundering, lying, stealing, and finally separating themselves from their families by committing acts of adultery.^[3]

The Lord took the Nephites at their word. They boasted they were strong enough to defeat the Lamanites without His support The Lord warns us against boasting.

“Thus with your mouth ye have boasted against me, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard them” (Ezekiel 35:13).

“For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, whom the LORD abhorreth” (Psalms 10:3).

“Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain” (Proverbs 25:14).

“Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

“Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God” (Psalms 20:7).

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered” (Proverbs 28:26).

The Nephites learned the hard way not to rely solely on their own strength. They “were afflicted and smitten, and driven before the Lamanites, until they had lost possession of almost all their lands” (Helaman 4:13).

General Moronihah, like his father, was a righteous man. He called on the people to repent. Nephi and Lehi also preached and prophesied to the Nephites. They warned them what would happen if they refused to repent.

As the people repented, they began to be successful in war.  Eventually, they were able to reclaim half of the lands lost to the Lamanites.

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[1] The Covenant of the Chosen People: The Spiritual Foundations of Ethnic Identity in the Book of Mormon, Steven L. Olsen, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 21/2 (2012): 25.

[2] Ibid.

[3] “No Poor Among Them,” Lindon J. Robison, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14/1 (2005): 94.