Mosiah 7:1-11

Chapter 7

Ammon finds the land of Lehi-Nephi where Limhi is king—Limhi’s people are in bondage to the Lamanites—Limhi recounts their history—A prophet (Abinadi) had testified that Christ is the God and Father of all things—Those who sow filthiness reap the whirlwind, and those who put their trust in the Lord shall be delivered. About 121 B.C.

1 AND now, it came to pass that after king Mosiah had had continual peace for the space of three years, he was desirous to know concerning the people who went up to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi, or in the city of Lehi-Nephi; for his people had heard nothing from them from the time they left the land of Zarahemla; therefore, they wearied him with their teasings.

2 And it came to pass that ^*king Mosiah granted that sixteen of their strong men might go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi, to inquire concerning their brethren.

3 And it came to pass that on the morrow they started to go up, having with them one Ammon, he being a strong and mighty man, and a descendant of Zarahemla; and he was also their leader.

4 And now, they knew not the course they should travel in the wilderness to go up to the land of Lehi-Nephi; therefore they wandered many days in the wilderness, even forty days did they wander.

5 And when they had wandered forty days they came to a hill, which is north of the land of Shilom, and there they pitched their tents.

6 And Ammon took three of his brethren, and their names were Amaleki, Helem, and Hem, and they went down into the land of Nephi.

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.

9 And he said unto them: Behold, I am Limhi, the son of Noah, who was the son of Zeniff, who came up out of the land of Zarahemla to inherit this land, which was the land of their fathers, who was made a king by the voice of the people.

10 And now, I desire to know the cause whereby ye were so bold as to come near the walls of the city, when I, myself, was with my guards without the gate?

11 And now, for this cause have I suffered that ye should be preserved, that I might inquire of you, or else I should have caused that my guards should have put you to death.  Ye are permitted to speak.

Mosiah 7:1-11

From this point in the book of Mosiah, there is no mention of the reign of Mosiah and the events in Zarahemla.  Grant Hardy has suggested this was a time of relative peace and prosperity.  The history of the people of Limhi has more conflict and spiritual teachings.  Hardy suggests this is more in line with Mormon’s purpose in his abridgement of the record.  This part of the record shows how the Lord deals with His people.  When they are righteous, the Lord watches over and protects them.  When they are wicked, He withdraws His protection and they suffer the consequences of their sin.

We need to go back into Nephite history, nearly a century.  We turn to the words of Amaleki.

“And now I would speak somewhat concerning a certain number who went up into the wilderness to return to the land of Nephi; for there was a large number who were desirous to possess the land of their inheritance.

“Wherefore, they went up into the wilderness.  And their leader being a strong and mighty man, and a stiffnecked man, wherefore he caused a contention among them; and they were all slain, save fifty, in the wilderness, and they returned again to the land of Zarahemla.

“And it came to pass that they also took others to a considerable number, and took their journey again into the wilderness.

“And I, Amaleki, had a brother, who also went with them; and I have not since known concerning them” (Omni 1:27-30).

At some point after Mosiah₂ became king. He wanted to know about these people who returned to the land of Nephi.  Nothing had been heard from them since their second attempt to settle the land.  To find out, he sent a team of sixteen men to find the people. 

The leader of the group was Ammon₁.  He was described as a “strong and might man.”  We also learn he was of Mulekite heritage, being a descendent of Zarahemla.

When they left Zarahemla, they had no idea which way to go, so they wandered around for forty days.  (This was the longest recorded journey in the Book of Mormon.[1])  They came to a hill to the north of the land of Shilom and pitched their tents. 

What they didn’t know was this was part of the land given to Zeniff by the Lamanite king. 

“And I went in unto the king, and he covenanted with me that I might possess the land of Lehi-Nephi, and the land of Shilom.

“And we began to build buildings, and to repair the walls of the city, yea, even the walls of the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom.

“For, in the ^*thirteenth year of my reign in the land of Nephi, away on the south of the land of Shilom, when my people were watering and feeding their flocks, and tilling their lands, a numerous host of Lamanites came upon them and began to slay them, and to take off their flocks, and the corn of their fields” (Mosiah 9:6, 8, 14).

Noah would also build extensively in the land of Shilom.

Ammon took three of his brethren to go into the land of Nephi and continue their search.  One of the three was named Hem, and Egyptian name.

“The chief governor of Egypt was ‘the high priest of Amon’ (or Ammon), his title being in Egyptian neter hem tep— ‘chief servant (Hem) of the God.’ Hem is an element in Egyptian proper names and means the same as the extremely common ’Abdi element in western Asiatic names of the time (cf. the modern Arabic Abdullah, ‘servant of God’). It is most interesting that the brother of the earlier Ammon in the Book of Mormon actually bears the name of Hem (Mosiah 7:6).”[2] 

While looking for the settlement, they found the king.  His guards surrounded them, bound them, and took them to Shilom and placed them in prison.

“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.

“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.

“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” (Mosiah 21:22-24).

After spending two days in prison, they were taken before the king.  They were ordered to answer the questions he asked them.

He introduced himself as Limhi.  He was the son of Noah who was the son of Zeniff, the leader of the group that returned to the land of Nephi.  He was made king by the voice of the people (see Mosiah 19:26).  What he wanted to know was who were they and why were they there?  The only reason they weren’t executed was he wanted to find out who they were.

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[1] Archaeology, Relics, and Book of Mormon Belief, John E. Clark, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Lehi in the Desert, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

Mosiah 6:1-7

Chapter 6

King Benjamin records the names of the people and appoints priests to teach them—Mosiah reigns as a righteous king. About 124–121 B.C.

1 And now, king Benjamin thought it was expedient, after having finished speaking to the people, that he should take the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments.

2 And it came to pass that there was not one soul, except it were little children, but who had entered into the covenant and had taken upon them the name of Christ.

3 And again, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of all these things, and had consecrated his son Mosiah to be a ruler and a king over his people, and had given him all the charges concerning the kingdom, and also had appointed priests to teach the people, that thereby they might hear and know the commandments of God, and to stir them up in remembrance of the oath which they had made, he dismissed the multitude, and they returned, every one, according to their families, to their own houses.

4 And Mosiah began to reign in his father’s stead. And he began to reign in the thirtieth year of his age, making in the whole, about four hundred and seventy-six years from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem.

5 And king Benjamin lived three years and he died.

6 And it came to pass that king Mosiah did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe his judgments and his statutes, and did keep his commandments in all things whatsoever he commanded him.

7 And king Mosiah did cause his people that they should till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth, that thereby he might not become burdensome to his people, that he might do according to that which his father had done in all things. And there was no contention among all his people for the space of three years. (Mosiah 6:1-7)

Having finished his sermon, Benjamin had the names of those who made the covenant recorded.  With the exception of young children, all in the congregation added their names to the list.

This was similar to the Day of Atonement activities.

“On many occasions in Jewish life, but especially on this day, blessings were pronounced. In Benjamin’s case, several blessings were mentioned: ‘he doth bless and prosper you’ (Mosiah 2:22); ‘ye shall prosper in the land, and your enemies shall have no power over you’ (Mosiah 2:31); and remember “the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments” (Mosiah 2:41). At the end of the Day of Atonement, Jewish people exchange blessings such as ‘May you be inscribed for life [in the book of life] and merit many years.’ Likewise, at the conclusion of his speech, Benjamin took ‘the names of all those who had entered into a covenant with God to keep his commandments’ (Mosiah 6:1). In some cases the Israelites immediately began constructing their booths (sukkot) in preparation for the next phase of this season’s celebrations.”[1]

The recording of names was important.

“[T]he first thing done after a covenant ceremony is, likewise, to appoint priests to exhort the people to remember their promises so they may withstand God’s day of judgment (e.g., Mosiah 6:1—3; 2 Nephi 9:52). The disciple’s salvation turns upon remembering and doing the things taught in the Sermon. Therefore, one should not think of the standards set forth in the Sermon as unreachable ideals. Observing this specific set of requirements is essential to eternal exaltation, for only thereby can the Lord raise us up at the last day. In this way, the speech embraces both this-worldly and other-worldly concerns.”[2]

Excepting children, everyone made the covenant and take upon themselves the name of Christ.

“And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God” (Mosiah 5:5).

Benjamin than consecrated Mosiah to be the ruler over the people. He also appointed priests to teach the people.

He then dismissed the multitude and they returned to their homes.

“The greatest blessings of general conference come to us after the conference is over. Remember the pattern recorded frequently in scripture: we gather to hear the words of the Lord, and we return to our homes to live them … We accept the Savior’s invitation when we ponder and pray to understand what we have been taught and then go forward and do His will.”[3]

Benjamin died three years after Mosiah became king.

Mosiah was a righteous king.  He “did walk in the ways of the Lord.”  He kept the commandments in all thing and did whatsoever the Lord commanded him. 

“The book of Mosiah is possibly the most carefully composed book in the Book of Mormon concerning a single period of history. Parts of it were written by Mosiah, son of Benjamin, and he incorporated the records of others (Limhi, Alma, et al.) in his work. Others later condensed the record and wrote certain things Mosiah was unlikely to have said about himself, putting such comments in the third person (Mosiah 6:6–7), and adding details such as the death of Mosiah (Mosiah 29:46–47).”[4]

Mosiah had his people begin tilling the ground and planting their crops.  Like his father, Mosiah took care of himself and provided for himself.  He was never a burden on the people.  The apostle Paul similarly provided for himself.  “And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself” (2 Corinthians 11:9).

“Nephi taught his people to be industrious and to work with their hands (2 Nephi 5:17). After hearing the gospel taught by Ammon and his brothers, the converted Lamanites, the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, became a very industrious people (Alma 23:18). Moreover, the righteous leaders of the Book of Mormon taught through example to till the earth and to support themselves so they would not be a burden for others (Mosiah 6:7).”[5]

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[1] King Benjamin’s Speech in the Context of Ancient Israelite Festivals, Terrence L. Szink and John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] The Temple Context and Unity of the Sermon at the Temple, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony, Elder Robert D. Hales, October 2013 General Conference.

[4] Mosiah: The Complex Symbolism and Symbolic Complex of Kingship in the Book of Mormon, Gordon C. Thomasson, Maxwell Institute website.

[5] Economic Insights from the Book of Mormon, Lindon J. Robison, Maxwell Institute website.

Mosiah 5:11-15

11 And I would that ye should remember also, that this is the name that I said I should give unto you that never should be blotted out, except it be through transgression; therefore, take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name be not blotted out of your hearts.

12 I say unto you, I would that ye should remember to retain the name written always in your hearts, that ye are not found on the left hand of God, but that ye hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.

13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?

14 And again, doth a man take an ass which belongeth to his neighbor, and keep him? I say unto you, Nay; he will not even suffer that he shall feed among his flocks, but will drive him away, and cast him out. I say unto you, that even so shall it be among you if ye know not the name by which ye are called.

15 Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen. (Mosiah 5:11-15)

Having rejected Christ, and being found on the left hand of God, the names of the wicked will be blotted through their sin.  “Take heed that ye do not transgress, that the name not be blotted out of your hearts.”

The people are told to remember and retain the name Benjamin has given them; they are to have it written in their hearts at all times.  “I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law” (Psalms 119:55).  The Lord makes the importance of remembering the name clear.  “Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father” (D&C 18:25).

“The Book of Mormon explains the significance of being called by the name of Jesus Christ. When the Savior showed his spirit body to the brother of Jared, he introduced himself as the Father and the Son, declaring that through his redeeming sacrifice all mankind who believed on his name should have life eternal through him, ‘and they shall become my sons and my daughters.’”[1]

If they don’t, they will be found on the left hand of God. They must “hear and know the voice by which ye shall be called, and also, the name by which he shall call you.”

“Benjamin gives us one of the most important statements in the Book of Mormon.  We are told to serve Christ.  How do we know Christ if we have not served Him?  We can’t.  He will be a stranger us and we cannot recognize Him.  “If we are not serving Jesus, and if he is not in our thoughts and hearts, then the things of the world will draw us instead to them! Moreover, the things of the world need not be sinister in order to be diverting and consuming.”^[2]

King Benjamin tells them to remember to retain this name in their hearts. “And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).

“I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, and have kept thy law” (Psalm 119:55).

“Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;

“Wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they cannot have place in the kingdom of my Father” (D&C 18:24-25).

How, asks King Benjamin, can they know the master they haven’t served? “For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge” (Jeremiah 4:22).

“For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.

“And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me.

“And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.

“And then I will confess unto them that I never knew them; and they shall depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Mosiah 26:24-27).

This master is a stranger and far from his thoughts and the intents of his heart.

Benjamin uses the example of a person who has an animal herd.  If one of his neighbor’s cattle wanders into the person’s herd, he does not keep it.  He chases it out of his herd and back to his neighbor.  This is the way it will be for the person who does not follow and obey Christ.  They will not be recognized as part of Christ’s “flock.”  They will be chased out.

“Although Benjamin does not turn explicitly to dust imagery when he warns his people against breaking their covenant, he takes it for granted throughout his speech that mortals owe to God everything that they have and are (see Mosiah 2:20–25), and therefore it is to be expected that they will be returned to the dust, utterly blotted out, driven away, and cast out if they are not true and faithful to their God (see Mosiah 5:11, 14).”[3]

Follow Christ.  Dedicate yourself to following Him.  Be a strong and firm follower.  Do good works, that Christ “may seal you his.”  You will have salvation and eternal life in the presence of Christ.

“In today’s world, no matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to ‘be steadfast and immovable’ throughout our mortal journey.”[4]

“After King Benjamin taught his people that Christ is the only source of salvation and outlined the obligations and consequences of enlisting him as their suzerain (ruling power, ruler), the people declared their desire to “take upon [themselves] the name of Christ” (Mosiah 5:8). However, King Benjamin issued a severe warning that they must know his name, meaning that they must recognize Christ’s authority, in order to receive salvation (see Mosiah 5:14–15).”[5]

Follow Christ.  Dedicate yourself to following Him.  Be a strong and firm follower.  Do good works, that Christ “may seal you his.”  You will have salvation and eternal life in the presence of Christ.

“In today’s world, no matter where we live and no matter what our circumstances are, it is essential that our preeminent identity is as a child of God. Knowing that will allow our faith to flourish, will motivate our continual repentance, and will provide the strength to ‘be steadfast and immovable’ throughout our mortal journey.”[6]

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[1] Taking upon Us the Name of Jesus Christ, President Dallin H. Oaks, April 1985 General Conference.

[2] King Benjamin’s Speech – Appendix: Complete Text of Benjamin’s Speech with Notes and Comments, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] Kingship. Coronation, and Covenant in Mosiah 1–6, Stephen D. Ricks, Maxwell Institute website website

[4] I Am a Child of God, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, April 2016 General Conference.

[5] Treaties and Covenants: Ancient Near Eastern Legal Terminology in the Book of Mormon, RoseAnn Benson and Stephen D. Ricks, Maxwell Institute website.

[6] I Am a Child of God, Elder Donald L. Hallstrom, April 2016 General Conference.

Mosiah 5:6-10

6 And now, these are the words which king Benjamin desired of them; and therefore he said unto them: Ye have spoken the words that I desired; and the covenant which ye have made is a righteous covenant.

7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

9 And it shall come to pass that whosoever doeth this shall be found at the right hand of God, for he shall know the name by which he is called; for he shall be called by the name of Christ.

10 And now it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall not take upon him the name of Christ must be called by some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God. (Mosiah 5:6-10)

The people have covenanted to “to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days” (Mosiah 5:5).

This is what King Benjamin wanted to hear. They agreed to make a “righteous covenant.” Their covenant means they will be called the children of Christ, His sons and daughters.

“And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters;

“And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God” (Mosiah 27:25-26).

This day He has spiritually begotten them. They are changed through their faith in Christ. They have been born of him.

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power [GR authority, right, privilege] to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

“Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God” (John 1:12-13).

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters” (Mosiah 27:25).

for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

When they are begotten of Him, they becomes His sons and daughters.

“And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

“For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Matthew 12:49-50).

“But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name” (D&C 11:30).

“Benjamin drew all his people into the realm of royal ideology. He positioned them to be raised in status just as his son, the new monarch, would also be elevated. Like kings or queens, the people asked for forgiveness, and ‘the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy’ (Mosiah 4:3), and ultimately they were raised to the level of being sons and daughters of God (see Mosiah 5:7).”[1]

“The spiritual rebirth … typically does not occur quickly or all at once; it is an ongoing process—not a single event. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. This phase of the transformation process requires time, persistence, and patience.”[2]

Through Christ, they are made free.

“But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

“Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:17-18).

No other name can make them free.

“And this is the means whereby salvation cometh. And there is none other salvation save this which hath been spoken of; neither are there any conditions whereby man can be saved except the conditions which I have told you” (Mosiah 4:8).

“Now Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood” (Alma 21:9).

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27).

“Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine” (Mosiah 26:18).

King Benjamin told them they must take upon them the name of Christ. “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).

“And those who did belong to the church were faithful; yea, all those who were true believers in Christ took upon them, gladly, the name of Christ, or Christians as they were called, because of their belief in Christ who should come” (Alma 46:15).

When they do this, they will enter into a covenant with God they would be obedient the rest of their lives.

“After King Benjamin taught his people that Christ is the only source of salvation and outlined the obligations and consequences of enlisting him as their suzerain, the people declared their desire to ‘take upon [themselves] the name of Christ’ (Mosiah 5:8). However, King Benjamin issued a severe warning that they must know his name, meaning that they must recognize Christ’s authority, in order to receive salvation (see Mosiah 5:14–15).”^[3]

“We love the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah, our Savior and our Redeemer. His is the only name by which we can be saved. We seek to serve him. We belong to his church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our missionaries and members testify of Jesus Christ in many nations of the world. As the prophet Nephi wrote in the Book of Mormon, ‘We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins’ (2 Ne. 25:26).”[4]

Whoever does this will be found on the right hand of God. He will know then name by which he is called, that of Christ.

“The name Benjamin may mean literally ‘son of the right hand,’ although this etymology is not entirely certain. If the name was understood this way among the Nephites, it may have had significance to Benjamin and his people. Benjamin was surely a righteous son, found on the right hand of his father Mosiah. Moreover, Benjamin promised his people that he who knows ‘the name by which he is called’ ‘shall be found at the right hand of God’ (Mosiah 5:9). Benjamin’s audience may well have noticed a similarity between Benjamin’s name and this important phrase, ‘to be found at the right hand of God.’”[5]

Who ever does not take upon themselves Christ’s name will be called by some other name and find himself on the left hand of God.

“And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil.

“For I say unto you that whatsoever is good cometh from God, and whatsoever is evil cometh from the devil” (Alma 5:39-40).

“And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

“And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left” (Matthew 25:32-33).

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[1] Democratizing Forces in King Benjamin’s Speech, Maxwell Institute website, accessed August 13, 2014.

[2] Ye Must Be Born Again,  Elder David A. Bednar, April 2007 General Conference.

[3] Treaties and Covenants: Ancient Near Eastern Legal Terminology in the Book of Mormon, RoseAnn Benson and Stephen D. Ricks, Maxwell Institute website.

[4] “The Light and Life of the World,” President Dallin H. Oaks, October 1987 General Conference.

[5] Benjamin, the Man: His Place in Nephite History, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

Mosiah 5:1-5

Chapter 5

The Saints become the sons and daughters of Christ through faith—They are then called by the name of Christ—King Benjamin exhorts them to be steadfast and immovable in good works. About 124 B.C.

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had thus spoken to his people, he sent among them, desiring to know of his people if they believed the words which he had spoken unto them.

2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.

3 And we, ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things.

4 And it is the faith which we have had on the things which our king has spoken unto us that has brought us to this great knowledge, whereby we do rejoice with such exceedingly great joy.

5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.

some other name; therefore, he findeth himself on the left hand of God. (Mosiah 5:1-5)

King Benjamin stopped speaking and sent among the people to learn if they believed his words.

When Nephi desired to know the truth of Lehi’s vision and teachings. He was questioned by the Spirit.

“And the Spirit said unto me: Behold, what desirest thou?

“And I said: I desire to behold the things which my father saw.

“And the Spirit said unto me: Believest thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken?

“And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father” (1 Nephi 11:2-5).

It was only after he told the Spirit he believed was he given the vision similar to Lehi’s.

“So concerned was Benjamin with his major sermon that he sent among the people to see if they really believed in his words (see Mosiah 5:1). Benjamin was much more concerned over connecting with his spiritual constituency than with his political constituency. He was continually concerned about communicating.”^[1]

They responded with one voice declaring they believed his words. They knew it was true because the Spirit caused a might change in their hearts.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

“For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:

“That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-4).

Alma₂ would ask the people of Zarahemla a similar question.  “And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14).

They proclaimed they no longer desired to do evil, instead, they desired to do good continually.

Noel Reynolds explains:

“If we truly have this Spirit of Christ in our lives, if the Holy Ghost comes to us and blesses us in this way, we become charitable towards others. It is a sign that people have that true Spirit in their lived, guiding them. Their hearts have been changed, again to use King Benjamin’s language from Mosiah 5:2, 7, and from Alma 19:33.”^[2]

John Welch further observes:

“Benjamin was a man of action who voiced his aims in words of historic simplicity. He stirred his people to repentance and induced ‘a mighty change’ in them, so that they had ‘no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually’ (Mosiah 5:2). From a literary standpoint, Benjamin was able to accomplish this largely by presenting crucial issues in terms of stark contrasts that exposed two clear extremes.”^[3]

Through God’s infinite goodness, and the manifestations of His spirit,  we could prophesy of all things.

They continued proclaiming through the Spirit, and were it beneficial, they could prophesy of all things.  Hugh Nibley explains what this means.

“Here the people receive their individual revelations. Prophesy means both to foretell and speak out, but here there is a contrary-to-fact or future-less-vivid condition: the individual is expected to receive and follow the promptings of the Spirit for himself, but not to introduce his personal revelations into public discussion. It is ‘expedient’ for all to receive ‘great views’ by revelation, but not expedient, unless so commanded, to teach them publicly.”[4]

Through faith, the people rejoiced in their knowledge.  M. Catherine Thomas expands on these thoughts.

“It was not just the news that the Savior would minister on the earth in the near future that filled them with joy—because they already knew all the prophecies of the holy prophets with respect to the Savior’s ministry—but that the atonement was about to become very personal to them. Their faith in the Lord was about to become knowledge (see Mosiah 5:4). This joy announced by the angel was not to be just a momentary experience. If they were diligent unto prayer (see Moroni 8:26) and obedient to other instructions their king would give them, they would be changed forever, could retain this perfect love and joy in their hearts, and would even ‘grow in the knowledge of the glory of [God]’ (Mosiah 4:12). We might infer then that these two parties—the king and the people—had been praying and preparing for the time when the whole community, in the ancient tradition, might be redeemed and born again.”[5]

They said they would enter into a covenant with God. They would do His will, obey His all of His commandments for the rest of their lives. They did not want to bring the never-ending torment they evil would face.

“And if [the works`] be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to their own souls.

“Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever.

“And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever” (Mosiah 3:25-27).

“People entering or renewing their covenant with God must do so willingly, voluntarily, eagerly, and resolutely. The people of Benjamin expressed their willingness to enter into a covenant. They covenanted to do whatever God might command them all the rest of their lives. In terms that were rigorous and broad, the people entered into a covenant promising ‘to do his will’ (Mosiah 5:5). Moreover, they promised to keep whatever commandments he might ever give them, now or in the future, all the days of their lives.”[6]

Traditionally, only the king would enter into these covenants.

“In traditional Israelite coronations only the king entered into the covenant with God and thereby became his son (see Psalm 2:7). In Benjamin’s kingdom, however, every person was allowed to enter into a covenant in connection with Mosiah’s coronation (see Mosiah 5:1–5), and thereby they all became God’s ‘sons, and his daughters’ (Mosiah 5:7).”^[7]

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[1] King Benjamin’s Sermon: A Manual for Discipleship, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Nephi’s Teachings (part 2), Noel Reynolds, Maxwell Institute website.

[3] Benjamin’s Speech: A Masterful Oration, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[4] Assembly and Atonement – Public and Private, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[5] Benjamin and the Mysteries of God, M. Catherine Thomas, Maxwell Institute website.

[6] Benjamin’s Covenant as a Precursor of the Sacrament Prayers, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

[7] Benjamin’s Speech: A Masterful Oration, John W. Welch, Maxwell Institute website.

Mosiah 4:27-30

27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

28 And I would that ye should remember, that whosoever among you borroweth of his neighbor should return the thing that he borroweth, according as he doth agree, or else thou shalt commit sin; and perhaps thou shalt cause thy neighbor to commit sin also.

29 And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them.

30 But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.

(Mosiah 4:27-30)

As the people have listened to King Benjamin’s words, he reminds them these things must be done in wisdom and order. “Every man in his own order, until his hour was finished, even according as his lord had commanded him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in his lord, that they all might be glorified” (D&C 88:60).

“Thus, none shall be exempted from the justice and the laws of God, that all things may be done in order and in solemnity before him, according to truth and righteousness” (D&C 107:84).

No one should run faster than they can. “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11).

“Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end” (D&C 10:4).

“God will not require more than the best we can give because that would not be just, but neither can He accept less than that because that would not be just either. Therefore, let us always give the best we can in the service of God and our fellowmen. Let us serve in our families and in our callings in the Church in the best manner possible. Let us do the best we can and each day be a little better.”[1]

“There may be times when we may feel overwhelmed, hurt, or on the edge of discouragement as we are trying so hard to be perfect members of the Church. Be assured, there is balm in Gilead. Let us listen to the prophets of our days as they help us to focus on the things that are central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The Lord knows us, He loves us, He wants us to succeed, and He encourages us by saying: ‘And see that all … things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [men or women] should run faster than [they have] strength. … [But] it is expedient that [they] should be diligent’ (Mosiah 4:27).”[2]

He tells them that, should they borrow something, it should be returned as the both agreed. If they don’t, they commit a sin. They may also cause their neighbor to commit a sin.

“Under Israelite law, failure to return that which a person has borrowed was the equivalent of theft.  Jewish law placed no significance on the fact that the person had received the possession of property lawfully … It was also important for a person under ancient law to return exactly what he had borrowed; otherwise a dispute could ensue over whether the value of the returned object was equal to the value of the borrowed object.”^[3]

Benjamin shares some discouraging words with us.  “I cannot tell you all thing things whereby ye may commit sin.”  “Instead of telling them what they should not do, he has told them what they absolutely must do, the minimum if they would expect God’s blessings.”^[4] While there is only one path to return to our Lord, there a many paths that lead us to sin. 

We will be judged by our thoughts, words, and deeds.  We must watch what we do. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons” (Deuteronomy 4:9).  When Alma₂ confronted Zeezrom, he told him, “For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to ^chide us from his presence” (Alma 12:14).

The Savior taught that even thinking about sin is sinful.  “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).  He further taught, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies [GR slanderous statements]: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” (Matthew 15:18-20).

“[A] Church News editorial in 1985 cited Mosiah 4:29–30 and added, ‘This counsel is so timely in today’s world as we struggle with the proliferation of pornography, obscenity, and indecency. These growing evils bombard us on every hand. At times it seems almost impossible to escape them because they appear to be everywhere … Individually, we must remember the admonition of King Benjamin and watch ourselves, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. If we keep the commandments and continue in the faith we will have power over the evils of pornography. Otherwise, we may succumb to its enticements and ultimately perish.’”[5]

We will be judged by our thoughts, words, and deeds.  We must watch what we do. “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons” (Deuteronomy 4:9).  When Alma₂ confronted Zeezrom, he told him, “For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to ^chide us from his presence” (Alma 12:14).

The Savior taught that even thinking about sin is sinful.  “Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).  He further taught, “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies [GR slanderous statements]: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man” (Matthew 15:18-20).

“[A] Church News editorial in 1985 cited Mosiah 4:29–30 and added, ‘This counsel is so timely in today’s world as we struggle with the proliferation of pornography, obscenity, and indecency. These growing evils bombard us on every hand. At times it seems almost impossible to escape them because they appear to be everywhere … Individually, we must remember the admonition of King Benjamin and watch ourselves, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds. If we keep the commandments and continue in the faith we will have power over the evils of pornography. Otherwise, we may succumb to its enticements and ultimately perish.’”[6]

We must keep the commandments and continue in faith.  King Benjamin has given us all we need to defeat sin and return to our Father in Heaven.

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[1] Attempting the Impossible, Elder Jorge F. Zeballos, October 2009 General Conference.

[2] The Global Church Blessed by the Voice of the Prophets, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2002 General Conference.

[3] Complete Text of Benjamin’s Speech with Notes and Comments, Maxwell Institute website.

[4] Work We Must, but the Lunch Is Free, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[5] The Use of King Benjamin’s Address by Latter-day Saints, Bruce A. Van Orden, Maxwell Institute website.

[6] The Use of King Benjamin’s Address by Latter-day Saints, Bruce A. Van Orden, Maxwell Institute website.