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.
[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).
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