Helaman 7:1-5

THE PROPHECY OF NEPHI, THE SON OF HELAMAN—

God threatens the people of Nephi that he will visit them in his anger, to their utter destruction except they repent of their wickedness. God smiteth the people of Nephi with pestilence; they repent and turn unto him. Samuel, a Lamanite, prophesies unto the Nephites.

Comprising chapters 7 to 16 inclusive.

Chapter 7

Nephi is rejected in the north and returns to Zarahemla—He prays upon his garden tower and then calls upon the people to repent or perish. About 23–21 B.C.

Nephi had been preaching to the people in the land northward.[1] While there, he taught the word of the Lord and prophesied to the people. They rejected his word. The wicked usually reject the Lord’s words. “And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee” (Jeremiah 1:19).

“But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods” (Jeremiah 44:5).

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers” (Acts 7:52).

Nephi decided he could no longer stay among the people in the lands northward, so he returned back to his home.

Nephi returned to a city where wickedness reigned. Gadianton robbers had taken over positions of authority, including the judgement seat. “Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man” (Psalms 71:4).

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold [IE restrain the truth by unrighteousness] the truth in unrighteousness” (Romans 1:18).^[2]

“And he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people, yea, laws after the manner of his own wickedness; and whosoever doth not obey his laws he causeth to be destroyed; and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war, and if he can he will destroy them; and thus an unrighteous king doth pervert the ways of all righteousness”

(Mosiah 29:23).

People were condemned because they were righteous. The guilty went unpunished. They were able to bribe their way out of trouble. “Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches” (Psalms 73:12).

Money changed hands.  Bribes were paid to ensure decisions made would benefit those who paid the bribes.  “In whose hands is mischief, and their right hand is full of bribes” (Psalms 26:10). “A wicked man taketh a gift out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment” (Proverbs 17:23).

They were interested in the praises of man.  They freely committed sin and followed their own desires.  “He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful” (Matthew 13:22).

“Nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the world” (D&C 39:9).

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[1] “And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did go into the land northward; and also Nephi and Lehi went into the land northward, to preach unto the people” (Helaman 6:6).

[2] “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who love not the truth, but remain in unrighteousness” (Joseph Smith Translation, Romans 1:18).