The Lamanite Kings, Father & Son

Our Scripture journey has led us to Ammon having had major success in converting King Lamoni's people to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.   A church had been established there.

With all the drama behind them, King Lamoni asked Ammon to go with him to the land of Nephi, to meet his father, who was King over all of Lamanite land. 

The Lord's voice came to Ammon and said "Thou shalt not go up to the land of Nephi, for behold, the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah are in prison." Alma 19:2

When these things were revealed to Ammon he said to Lamoni, "Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni, and I go that I may deliver them." Alma 19:3  

I LOVE what King Lamoni said next to Ammon,  "I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things." Alma 20:4   Lamoni recognized that with the Lord's strength and help Ammon could do anything, but he wanted to help his friend as well.  The King of Middoni, Antiomno was a friend to Lamoni.  Lamoni felt that he could flatter Antiomno and that surely he would let Ammon's people out of prison.  Can't you just feel that King Lamoni's kindness and testimony were growing by leaps and bounds!

Lamoni's next question to Ammon is fantastic.  He just realized something important!  "Who told thee that thy brethren were in prison?  Alma 19:4  

Image from: www.lds.org

Of course, Ammon told him that no one had told him except God.  When Lamoni heard this he really stepped up their travel plans.   Isn't it interesting how quickly things changed!?  King Lamoni was the one who would have killed Nephites previously without even giving it a second thought!  Now he was going to rescue them!


King Lamoni's Father
Image from: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

As Ammon and Lamoni were traveling to Middoni, they met Lamoni's Father along the way.  Lamoni's Dad was the head honcho of all the Lamanites in the area.  The old King had two questions for his son: 

First, "Why didn't you come to the feast that I prepared for all my sons and for my people?" 
Second, "Where are you going with this Nephite, who is the child of a liar?"  

Lamoni explained to his Dad where he was going and why he had not been able to attend the feast.  There had been a LOT going on in Lamoni's Kingdom lately....

 

 Lamoni's father was VERY angry.   He said the following:"Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar.  Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now his children are also come amongst us that they may, by their cunning and their lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of our property" Alma 20:13

(Side note: The hatred that the Lamanites had for the Nephites dated back to the days of Lehi, Nephi, Laman & Lemuel in the early pages of the Book of Mormon.   Laman & Lemuel felt that Nephi had robbed them of the brass plates.   In addition, they did not like that Nephi had assumed a 'leadership' role over them.  They were the 'older' brothers and felt that they should have been the leaders, not their kid brother. This anger and feud lasted for hundreds of years and was passed down from generation to generation.)

Lamoni's father had intense hatred toward the Nephite people because of the traditions of his fathers.  He COMMANDED his son to kill Ammon with the sword.  He also commanded him that he should not go to the land of Middoni but should return to his own kingdom. 


Just think how devastating this must have been to Lamoni.  He had grown to love Ammon and yet he was still under the governing rule of his father who had now told him he had to kill his new friend. 

What would Lamoni say to his Father? 

Would he buckle under the pressure? 
 
Would he actually kill Ammon?

Would he be able to speak up for what he knew was right?

****************************

PRINCIPLE POWER



What principles can you pull from these verses?  The beauty of the Scriptures is that as we listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we each will be drawn to different verses or passages that we can liken to our own individual lives.  My principles may be different than the ones you come up with....and that's just how it should be!

 

1.  Do I listen to the spirit as carefully as Ammon did when the Spirit whispered to him not to go to the Land of Nephi?  Or do I dismiss those whisperings as coincidence?  Am I so 'busy' that sometimes I don't even hear the Spirit's whisperings at all?

 

2.  What can I do to magnify and clarify the voice of the Spirit in my life? 

 

3.  When I hear the promptings of the Spirit, do I act upon them or disregard?

 

3.   Lamoni was quick to say he would go to help Ammon get his brethren out of prison.  Am I as quick when asked to serve others in any capacity, whether large or small?  Am I willing to help my fellow man even when I'm not asked to?

 

4.   The hatred, prejudice and anger that the Lamanites had for the Nephites lasted for hundreds of years.  Do I hold feelings of hatred, prejudice or anger toward my fellow man?  If I do feel prejudice, do I desire to make a change and rid myself of it, or do I perpetuate it and carry on the prejudice to the next generation?  Do I stand up for the right if others speak prejudice?

 

5.  My favorite principle in this section:  With the strength of the Lord, I can do ALL things!

 

 



Abish, Part II with A Pocket Full of Principles

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

 

Last we read, Abish (pronounced

ā´bĭsh) the Queen's servant had a decision to make...would she keep her testimony in her heart or would she make her beliefs known.....

Abish seized the missionary moment!

She decided to share her beliefs and her long-held testimony with those in her village.  She wanted to let everyone know that God was real!   She believed that if the villagers saw the unbelievable scene of King Lamoni, his Queen, Ammon and the rest it would cause these people to believe in the power of God, as she did.

I love her plan of attack. She ran from house to house, letting everyone know. We don't know how old Abish was, but I picture her middle aged, running around with skirts a flying, yelling for everyone to come to the house of the King. Abish did a good job of promoting the situation, because the scriptures say a multitude assembled together.

This multitude saw the King, the Queen and servants lying there as if they were dead.  To make matters worse....they saw Ammon that Nephite, lying there as well.

Things started to take a turn for the worst...the people began to murmur among themselves. Some believed it was evil that came upon the people because the King allowed a Nephite to stay in their land. The brother of one of those that Ammon killed at the waters of Sebus (remember the whole arm-chopping, flock scattering incident) happened to be in the crowd. This guy was NOT happy and was bent on avenging the death of his brother.   He lifted up his sword to kill Ammon and just as he did so, HE fell over dead.  Not Ammon, the other guy!  One more miracle at the hands of the Lord!

Remember that Ammon could not be slain. "For the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father; I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith--therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord." Alma 19:23

I LOVE how the Scriptures work. Here we are in the middle of a great story and....boom...we are smacked over the head with an AMAZING parenting principle! The Lord promised Mosiah, Ammon's father, that he would be spared.   But how would he be spared?  

The Scriptures say he would be spared by the faith of Mosiah. Mosiah trusted Ammon and his other sons to the Lord with all his heart, that they would be safe. As parents, it is not always easy to trust in the Lord, to let him guide us and the lives of our children. I have re-read and re-read that one simple line...."Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord." We need to trust more in the Lord and rely less on ourselves when it comes to parenting and everything else, for that matter!

Back to the story.... Fear came upon the whole crowd and no surprise, they did not try to touch or hurt Ammon from that point on. Some thought that Ammon was the "Great Spirit". Others thought he was a "monster, who had been sent from the Nephites to torment them" Alma 19:26.

Then it seemed the Lamanites began to do what they did best.   They started to complain that they had been picked on. The Great Spirit had always favored the Nephites and that it was the Great Spirit who had destroyed so many of their brethren, the Lamanites.   Blah, blah, blah....these guys were still haters and complainers hundreds of years later!  I think there's a great principle to be learned in that too!  (Remember President Uchtdorf's talk at last General Conference?   Read it here:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng

With all this commotion, Abish who had caused this whole multitude to gather in the first place burst into tears. She took the Queen by the hand, in hopes of raising her from the ground. As soon as Abish touched her hand, the Queen stood up on her feet and cried with a loud voice "O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!" Alma 19:29 

I can only imagine the relief that Abish must have felt!

The queen then took Lamoni by the hand and he stood as well. The King immediately began to teach the crowd the words that he had been taught by Ammon. I love Alma 19:31.."And as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord."  Amazing!

But look at the very next verse. "There were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way."Alma 19:32   How could they have seen all this and then just walked away?  Maybe it's similar to us when we hear the words of the Lord or his servants and just turn the other way and do our own thing!

Ammon also rose and administered to the people. Many were baptized, "and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them." Alma 19:35. I don't know if you got that last part, THEY ESTABLISHED A CHURCH AMONG THEM! The greatest desire of Ammon's heart had happened!

And here's the perfect principle to clinch the whole story...."And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name" Alma 19:36

So many principles...so little time.

 

How many principles could you get out of this chapter? Here's just a few I came up with:

1. I must have faith and rely on the Lord, like the heroes in this story.

2. The Spirit of God is powerful. Am I feeling it enough each day?  If not, what do I need to do differently to have the spirit with me more?

3. Am I willing to let the Spirit of God work in my life? 'Like it worked in the lives of King Lamoni,his wife, servants & Ammon?  Or am I too 'busy'?

4. Do I have enough faith to share my testimony, like Abish, with those who don't believe
the same as me?

5. Am I willing to do whatever it takes to share the gospel, like Ammon and Abish?

6. Am I truly 'converted' to the Lord, like those who heard the gospel & believed?

7. Or am I like those who heard the words, but just went their own way? Even though I know the
gospel is true, is it sometimes just inconvenient to put my whole heart in it?  When I hear a talk in General Conference or Sacrament Meeting do I apply it to myself or pay little attention?

8. God's arm is extended to ALL people who repent & believe in him, no matter who we are or
what we have done. That is the best true principle of them all!

Ammon's mini-mission is about over in the land of Ishmael...but what in the world has happened to his brothers.....

Abish & The Queen

Our last encounter with Lamoni, the Lamanite King was that he had fallen to the earth, as if he were dead.  His family was mourning over his body, greatly lamenting his loss.  They were about to take his body to the sepulchre....

The Queen in a last ditch effort to do something before her husband was entombed, called upon Ammon to meet with her.  Ammon did as he was commanded.  When he got the word that he had an audience with the Queen, I wonder what he was thinking?  A lot of drama had happened since Ammon showed up in town!

The Queen said to Ammon, "The servants of my husband have made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name; therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the space of two days, and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink." Alma 19:4-5

All of this was EXACTLY what Ammon had hoped for.   He was overjoyed!

Ammon knew that a"...dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his [King Lamoni's] mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness-yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul..... that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God." Alma 19:6

Ammon went to the King and immediately knew that he was not dead.  He promised the Queen that the next day Lamoni would rise again....a very bold promise!

Ammon boldly questioned the Queen and asked her if she believed his words.  Could she believe the words of a Nephite?  The Queen simply said, "....I believe that it shall be according as thou has said." Alma 19:9

Ammon was overcome with the faith of the Queen when he said in tribute to her, "Blessed are thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites".  Alma 19:10

The Queen stayed by the bedside of her husband until morning.  Just as Ammon had promised, awaken he did. 

Image by James H. Fullmer

The King awoke, stood and stretched his hand out to his wife.  What a reunion that must have been!  Lamoni began to proclaim his testimony to her.  He had seen His Savior, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

"Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou.  For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name." Alma 19:13



Image: www.lds.org

Just as these words came out of his mouth, he was so overcome with joy and the spirit that again he sunk down to the earth.  And this time, the Queen fell to the earth overpowered as well!

Ammon saw the spirit of the Lord working in the lives of these Lamanites.  This group of people who had been the cause of so much sadness and mourning among the Nephites because of their sin, rage and wicked traditions. 

Ammon fell upon his knees and began to pour his heart and soul out to the Lord in prayer.  He prayed in gratitude and thanksgiving to Heavenly Father for what had just happened.  Ammon was so overpowered with joy and happiness that he too sunk to the earth!

Can you picture it?  King Lamoni, the Queen and Ammon all so overcome with the spirit they are all flat on the ground....looking pretty dead.

Servants were all around.  What must they have been thinking!  They began to cry to God, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them too.  These servants called on the Lord with such fervor and with all their might, that even they started to fall to the earth as well. 

People are dropping like flies, but in a good way!

Now enters one of my favorite un-sung heroes of the Book of Mormon.  You might even miss her part of the story, if you don't read carefully.
 

Image by James H. Fullmer

This woman, Abish, was a servant to the Queen.  While the King, his servants, the Queen and Ammon were all on the ground, there was Abish, a witness to it all. 

As she saw the events unfold,  she was not afraid.  She knew that it was the power of God. 

How did she know this?  Why wasn't she fearful?

Alma 19:16-17 gives us the answer. "She having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father--Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known..."

Abish, was a convert to the Church, but had never been able to share her beliefs because of the wickedness of the Lamanite traditions.  She had only been able to keep her testimony in her heart.  

Abish now had an important decision to make....
Would she stay quiet or would she take this opportunity to make her beliefs known?

Ammon, Part III, In the Right Place at the Right Time

Our last encounter with Ammon left him tending the flocks and feeding the horses of the King after his amazing first three days in Lamanite land.

When the King found out that Ammon was back caring for the animals after such an eventful day he could not believe it.  The King was astonished because of the faithfulness of this new stranger in town.  "Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.  Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not." Alma 18:10-11

Image: www.lds.org

Lamoni wanted to speak with Ammon but he was fearful of the power that Ammon possessed.  I'm sure that this is a situation that Lamoni had rarely found himself in.  He's the one who was usually all powerful!  After Ammon finished his chores with the animals, he came in unto the King. 

One of the King's servants called Ammon "Rabbanah" which means powerful or great king.

For just a moment, let's get a little perspective on this situation.  Remember a few days prior, Ammon was this young Nephite with a dream to preach the gospel to the wicked Lamanites.  There is NO way these circumstances could have ever turned around this completely without the Lord's intervention!  The Lamanites were calling this young Nephite, powerful and great!  I am thankful for the power and greatness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Ammon inquired of the King what he desired of him.  The King was speechless and didn't say anything.  Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, knew the thoughts of the King.  Ammon asked the King if he was speechless because he had defended the servants and the flocks, killed 7 of the robbers with a sling and sword and cut off the arms of others.

I love the next part.  Ammon could really have been on a power trip at this point.  He could have had anything in Lamoni's kingdom that he wanted.  But what he says next is classic righteousness!  "Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do." Alma 18:17.  Bravo, Ammon!

The King continued his speechlessness.  He realized that Ammon could read his thoughts.  When he was finally able to muster some words he said what I believe any one of us would be wondering, "Who art thou? "  Lamoni then asked the question he had been thinking for a while now. "Are thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?"Alma 18:18  

I love Ammon's complete honesty here.  He answered "I am not."

The King was full of questions.  He wanted to know how Ammon knew the deep thoughts of his heart.  He wondered what power Ammon used to smite the arms of the Lamanites who scattered the flocks. 

The King decided to make a big promise.  If Ammon would tell how him how he did all these things, Lamoni would give him whatever he desired!   I'm sure Ammon had been waiting for  just this right moment to introduce the teachings of the gospel!  Can you imagine his joy?

 "Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni; Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things?" Alma 18:22 

Of course the King agreed.

Ammon was in the right place at the right time with the right people.  He would now be able to share and teach the gospel to not just some Lamanites in a field somewhere, but to the mighty King of Ishmael!  The spirit is one incredible teacher when we get out of the way and allow it to do it's work through a faithful servant!

Ammon began to teach the gospel to Lamoni basically from start to finish.  We must remember that the Lamanites had not had the privilege of having the plates in their possession with all the genealogy of their forefathers.  They didn't know anything that the Nephites had been privy too.  Ammon started at the beginning and taught of God.  He taught of heaven, a place being where God and his angels dwell.  Lamoni didn't even know where heaven was when he asked the simple question, "Is heaven above the earth?" 

I picture Ammon, such a patient and kind missionary, teaching line upon line, precept upon precept.  Ammon's response to the question about heaven is beautiful.  "He [God] looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning. Alma 18:32

Ammon continued his missionary lessons.  He taught that we are created in the image of our Heavenly Father. He spoke of the Holy Spirit and the gifts it brings.  He spoke of the creation of Adam and the fall.   He spoke of the holy scriptures which had been taught by the prophets down to the time of their common father, Lehi.  Ammon rehearsed to the King and the servants some genealogy stories.  He spoke of the journeys that their fathers had in the wilderness, their sufferings and travail.    He spoke of the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael, he taught of the records and scriptures from that time long ago to their present day.    He spoke of the plan of redemption, of the future coming of Jesus Christ and all of the works that the Lord had made known to him.

Don't you think this would have been hard for the King to swallow?  He had been steeped in the traditions of his Lamanite fathers.  They believed that they had been 'robbed' in the wilderness by their brother Nephi. They believed that they had been wronged and had carried this hatred and revenge of their fathers through the generations.  I think for Lamoni to have believed all these words of a Nephite was rather incredible, if not unprecedented.

In this scriptural college course that Ammon was teaching to Lamoni, the miracle was that Lamoni believed ALL of Ammon's words.  He believed and was filled with the spirit so much that he began to cry to the Lord for mercy.  He said "O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people."  Alma 18:41

After these last words, "he fell to the earth, as is he were dead."  Alma 18:42    

Uh, oh....

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

The servants carried their King to his wife, the queen.  Lamoni laid there not just for a few moments, but for two days and two nights!  His wife, his sons and daughters mourned over him, greatly lamenting and grieving for their father and husband.....

I would imagine that many eyes turned to Ammon, not in kindness but in anger...

What had this Nephite done to their King?

Ammon, Part II, A Story of Tender Mercies

Image by: Josh Cotton (www.wikimedia.org)

Last we saw the four sons of King Mosiah; Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni had given up their father's kingdom for a chance to preach the gospel to their mortal enemies, the Lamanites.  They had packed up their bags filled with the spirit of God and began their missions for parts unknown. 

Ammon being the oldest of them, "...did administer unto them.....after having blessed them according to their several stations, having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land."  Alma 17:18

Image: www.lds.org

I wonder what that brotherly goodbye was like.  After Priesthood blessings, words of wisdom and admonition, I picture hugs, smiles and probably many tears.  These boys had already been through so much together.  Now they were embarking on the greatest adventure of their lives, each alone with only God by their sides.

Ammon went to the land of Ishmael.  As he entered the borders of the land, the Lamanites took him and bound him.   This was the Lamanite custom as the scripture points out, "...to bind all the Nephites who fell into their hands and carry them before the king..." Alma 17:20   Great custom, huh?

At this point, the Nephite intruder would be taken before the King who would have four options.  The King could:

1.  kill them

2.  keep them held captive

3.  cast them into prison

4.  throw them out of his land. 

All of these things being done "according to his [the King's] will and pleasure."  Alma 17:21  

The King over the land of Ishmael at this time was a Lamanite named Lamoni.   The first thing King Lamoni asked of Ammon was "...If it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people." Alma 17:22.   

TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Don't you find it strange yet totally awesome that with all the frightful options that the King had at his disposal, he would simply ask Ammon if he would like to stay in his Kingdom?   I testify that the Lord blesses all those who are willing to serve Him!  

Ammon's response was "Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die. Alma 17:23    Of course the King was very pleased with this reply.  But remember as King he still had those 4 options!  Instead, he loosed the bands that tied Ammon. 

Here comes another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  The King asks Ammon if he would want to marry one of his daughters!!!!  What?  Of all his options, marrying the Nephite intruder off to one of his daughters, was not in the normal play book, I'm sure!

Ammon responds in all humility that he could not take a daughter to wife, but that he would be a servant to the King.   Lamoni agrees and so Ammon sets off with the rest of the servants to guard and care for the King's flocks. 

After only 3 days of service, Ammon just going about his business, takes the flocks to a place where they could drink water.  This place was called Sebus and was where all Lamanites would have taken their flocks to do the same thing.  I can picture in my mind the busy hubbub of comings and goings there.

While the animals were receiving water, another group of Lamanites who had been at the same place watering their own flocks decides to scatter the flocks that Ammon and the others were tending to.  The flocks went in every direction.

I always like to picture myself in these situations.  Can you imagine you have been on the job 3 days among these people who really are your adversary, you are trying to impress the King and some group of hooligans come along and make all the animals you are in charge of, run away! 

The other servants who were with Ammon began to be afraid and said, "Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the wickedness of these men.  And they began to weep exceedingly." Alma 17:28

I can picture sheep everywhere, servants crying in fear of their lives and Ammon composed and full of the spirit as ever he could be.  As a matter of fact, the scriptures say that Ammon was "swollen within him with joy, for said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power, which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe my words." Alma 17:29

Ammon was not puffed up within himself because of pride, so that he could be the big man and save the day.  He was swollen with joy because he could see this situation would win over the hearts of the people and then if he won over their hearts HE COULD TEACH THEM THE GOSPEL!  Which was his only priority in the first place!

Ammon so full of positivity says, "My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us." Alma 17:31 

And that is exactly what they did.  The servants followed Ammon and they rushed forth "with much swiftness" Alma 17:32  and gathered all the flocks together again at the place of water. 

Another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Only with the hand of the Lord and the total faith of Ammon, could these flocks have been gathered all back together so quickly or at all.  Another miracle!

Just as the flocks were again together, the hooligans that scattered them in the first place came back.  Annoying and ridiculous!  Ammon gave swift direction to his fellow servants, "Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not, and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks."  Alma 17:33.  Of course the servants jumped on Ammon's words and did exactly as he commanded. 

Ammon went up against this terrible group and the scriptures state "...they were in number not a few." Alma 17:34  and "they delighted in the destruction of their brethren." Alma 17:35.  What a wicked bunch!

Of course these guys did not fear Ammon, just one lone guy.  What they did NOT know however, was anything about the Lord or the faithfulness of this young Nephite!

Image: www.lds.org

Ammon stood up.  At first he cast stones at them with his sling (aka David & Goliath).  The scriptures say that Ammon had "mighty power".  He actually killed a few of them.  After he did this, the group "began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him."  Alma 17:36

As every single Lamanite lifted up his club to hit him, Ammon would cut off their arms with his sword.  "He did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him, yea, and they were not few in number, and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.  Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew non, save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few."  Alma 17:37 

Another TENDER MERCY ALERT:  Of course Ammon was strong, but could any mortal have been that strong in and of himself? Of course not!  The Lord was there, helping him, strengthening him and fulfilling the promise he had made to Ammon's father that he would be safe in the land of the Lamanites. 

After the group was driven away, Ammon simply returned to watering the flocks and returned them to the King's pasture.  The arms were then carried into the king for a testimony and proof of the things which had happened that day.

King Lamoni listened to the stories of his servants as they recounted everything that had happened.  He learned of the faithfulness of Ammon and also the great strength and power that Ammon had displayed against the enemies.  King Lamoni was "astonished exceedingly." Alma 18:2

King Lamoni hearing all of this, knew that Ammon indeed must be the Great Spirit of whom their Lamanite forefathers had spoken.   Lamoni's conscience must have begun to prick him because he began to fear greatly because of his previous sins.

In the space of three short days, tender mercy after tender mercy had occurred:  Ammon found favor with the King of the Lamanites, brought the King's flocks back to safety, endeared himself to the King's servants, calmed their fears and nerves, and withstood a whole group of Lamanite killers.

Ammon now has this people right where he wants them.....

What tender mercies have you received from the Lord today?

Ammon, Man of Arms?

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If someone says the name, Ammon, what's the first thing that comes to mind?   You'd probably say, "He cut off a bunch of guys' arms, right?"  Ammon was a man whose accomplishments and life reflected much more than just one story.

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Ammon was one of the sons of a King.  King Mosiah to be exact.  Peace had come once again to the land.  Peace in Book of Mormon times was always fleeting, however.  King Mosiah had four sons, Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni who were numbered among the unbelievers, along with Alma, named after his father, Alma the Elder.


These boys were a huge hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God.  The scriptures say they were "stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them."  Mosiah 27:9  

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This was serious stuff!  They were striving to destroy the church.  They were causing big problems for their Dad, not to mention the church!  As they were going about rebelling against God, they are witnesses to an Angel who smote Alma the Younger dumb. 
Long story short....this event is a pivotal life changing event not just for Alma but for all four of the sons of Mosiah, Ammon included.

It was such a game changer that they began "traveling round about through all the land publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them."  Mosiah 27:32 

So now those that had probably been their friends prior, are now hitting and persecuting them!  With friends like that, who needs enemies?  But that does not deter them.  The scripture says they 'zealously strived to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.  And thus they were instruments in the hands of God in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, to the knowledge of their Redeemer."  Mosiah 27:35-36

After the sons served these "mini-missions" they returned to their father, the King and asked if he would let them go up to the land where the Lamanites, their bitter enemies lived, to preach to them.  They wanted to bring the good news of  the gospel to them.  That perhaps they might convince them of the sins of their Lamanite fathers who had come before them, and that they might cure the Lamanites of their hatred of the Nephites.  They hoped that they might even become friendly with them.  Talk about delusions of grandeur!  These four sons could not bear that any human soul should perish without hearing the word of God. 

I love Mosiah 28:4  "And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them [the sons of Mosiah], for they were the very vilest of sinners.  And the Lord saw fit in his infinite mercy to spare them; nevertheless they suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities, suffering much and fearing that they should be cast off forever." 

This verse should be engrained in each of our heads!  These sons of Mosiah had been the vilest of sinners (and aren't we all?)  But the Lord saw in his mercy to spare them, to save them, to cure them, to love them, to help them, so they could in turn bring others back to Him.  Heavenly Father & His Son are all about giving second, third even fourth chances.  It's up to us if we will take them up on their offers of kindness and mercy. 

Back to King Mosiah and his sons.  Can't you just put yourself in the place of King Mosiah, a father of these four kids who had been so awful and driven him so crazy and now are so good.  He's probably just happy to have them home for a while.  Now they are saying they want to go amongst their greatest enemies, the Lamanites.  These are the people who they had warred with for years and years.  If I was their Dad, I would have said absolutely NOT!  You will be killed.  I would say, "I command you to just stay put! Preach among your neighbors.  It's safe here.  We need your preaching just as much as the Lamanites."   It says in Mosiah 28:5, that the sons did PLEAD with their father for MANY days that they might go to the Lamanites to teach.

King Mosiah, being the righteous king and father that he was, took it to the Lord.  "What should I do?" he asked.   The Lord came back with a powerful promise which once again I LOVE.  "And the Lord said unto Mosiah, Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites."  Mosiah 28:7

There could be no greater promise for a parent than that.  Send your boys to the Lamanites and I promise that they will be safe.  With that promise in hand, Mosiah grants his sons' request and they take their journey into the wilderness to preach the word among their greatest enemies, the Lamanites.

Just as a side note, any of these boys could have had the Kingdom conferred upon them.  None would accept it, each rejected the rights to the Kingdom for the word of God.  They left their father and departed with their swords, spears, bows, arrows, slings and a prayer in their hearts.

They journeyed many days into the wilderness, fasting much and praying that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his spirit to go with them, to abide with them. That they might be an instrument in the hands of God, to bring, if possible the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth. I can't imagine the fear and worry they must have had.  However, the Lord visited him with his spirit, and they were comforted. 

As they arrived at the borders of the Land of the Lamanites, they decided they could do the most good if they would separate themselves and leave one another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again.

They were embarking on a mission of God to preach to a wild and hardened and ferocious people, a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, robbing and plundering them.  Lamanites whose hearts were set upon gold silver and precious things.  They were an idol worshipping people who hated Nephites....and here four young Nephites go it each alone, all for the love of God and the gospel.....

What will await them in the land of Lamanites? Heartbreak, happiness, difficulty and deliverance. And we're not yet even to the arm chopping incident!

Gideon, Nephite Patriot

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

When you think of great valor and courage in the Book of Mormon, who do you picture?  There are so many choices, it's very hard to come up with just one.   My choice is a little-known favorite.  The first time I read about Gideon, I was intrigued.  He is not mentioned very much but he and his story had a huge impact on me. 

Gideon lived during the time of King Noah and Alma the Elder.  He is described in Mosiah 19:4 as a 'strong man and an enemy to the King'.   He was an enemy to King Noah who we know was very powerful and very evil.  At this point, Noah had already put Abinadi the Prophet to death and sent his henchmen to kill Alma, one of his prior employees! 

Gideon being tough as nails "Drew his sword and swore in his wrath that he would slay the king. And it came to pass that he fought with the king; and when the king saw that he was about to overpower him, he fled and ran and got upon the tower which was near the temple.  Gideon pursued after  him and was about to get upon the tower to slay the king, and the king cast his eyes round about, towards the land of Shemlon, and behold, the army of the Lamanites were within the borders of the land."  Mosiah 19:5-6

Remember that King Noah and Gideon were both Nephites.  Picture a whole Lamanite army coming upon the land.  King Noah cried out in anguish saying: "Gideon, spare me, for the Lamanites are upon us, and they will destroy us; yea, they will destroy my people."

I love the next part of the scripture passage as it reads: "Now the king was not so much concerned about his people as he was about his own life."  Never a truer statement was written!

Gideon has a dilemma.  Should he kill the wicked King Noah, or spare him.  He chooses the later.

The next verses really expose Noah for who and what he really is..."And the king commanded the people that they should flee before the Lamanites, and he himself did go before them, and they did flee into the wilderness, with their women and their children.  And it came to pass that the Lamanites did pursue them, and did overtake them, and began to slay them."  Mosiah 19:9-10

It's hard for me to even grasp the desperation these people must have felt.  Literally running for their lives.  Husbands and wives running together, parents sweeping children in their arms, arms encircling grandparents to get away from the blood-thirsty Lamanites.

What Noah does next is unthinkable.

"Now it came to pass that the king commanded them that all the men should leave their wives and their children and flee before the Lamanites.  Now there were many that would not leave them, but had rather stay and perish with them.  And the rest left their wives and their children and fled."  Mosiah 19:11-12.

I just have one word...WOW.  Enough said.

There's more to this story including the death of King Noah, taxation, burden, death and much more which we will leave to another day.

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

Let's get back to the topic at hand...Gideon.  Gideon later sent men into the wilderness secretly to search for the King and those with him.  He later became a captain to King Noah's son, Limhi.  Don't worry, Limhi was nothing like his father.  He was a just man.  Gideon became an instrument in the hands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage.

In addition to Gideon's courage and valor he was blessed with much wisdom as well.  In Mosiah 22:3 it states "Now O king, thou hast hitherto hearkened unto my words many times...".

In later years, Gideon was a strong teacher in the church.  Nehor, a teacher of false doctrine was trying to lead people from the gospel astray and was very successful.  Gideon was not afraid of Nehor.  In the scriptures it states that he "withstood him".  Nehor was so angry with Gideon that he drew his sword and began to smite him.  Gideon, being stricken with age and many years, was not able to withstand the blows and was therefore "slain by the sword."

In the end it was said of Gideon that he was "a righteous man who had done much good among the people."

I think there are a lot of people in this modern world like Gideon.  Not the star of the show, just a background player, keeping their covenants, strong and willing to stand up for what is right, no matter what the cost. 

In the end for Gideon, the cost was his life....another martyr for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Alma, The Elder

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide

Alma lived an interesting life. He was a Nephite. He was one of King Noah's Priests. I always wondered how Alma got that job? Did he think his job description would be one thing, but then it all went terribly wrong? Had he been anything like King Noah? Noah did 'cause his people to commit sin, and do that which was abominable in the sight of the Lord, committing whoredoms and all manner of wickedness' Mosiah 11:2. I can't imagine working for King Noah. That would be frightening employment. It is not recorded how long Alma served King Noah as a Priest. We do know he was young because it says simply that in Mosiah 16:2.

Eventually Alma hears Abinadi, a Prophet of God, preach and reiterate the Ten Commandments, Jesus' atonement and resurrection plus many more powerful doctrines. The words Abinadi speaks ring true in Alma's heart. He has a change of heart. While all the other priests are telling King Noah to put this charlatan to death, Alma stands as an unashamed witness and boldly pleads with the King that he would not be angry with Abinadi, and that he might just let Abinadi depart in peace. Obviously, this would not work as the King became even more furious and caused Alma to be cast out of his presence. To add insult to injury, he sends his servants out that they might find Alma and kill him.

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Alma concealed himself for many days and did write ALL the words which Abinadi had spoken. It is only because of Alma that we know of Abinadi's great word-for-word testimony to King Noah and the people. Alma continues his concealment and eventually brings many people to baptism.

He organizes the Church and has authority from God. He repents. He ordains, instructs, preaches and teaches the people. He is a beloved leader. He declines to be their King.

Fast forward years later. Alma is now a father. He has served diligently in all aspects of the Gospel. He has dedicated his life to God. Alma has sons. One of Alma's sons is his own namesake. This son is however, very different from his father. He is a very wicked and idolatrous man. He is a man of many words and spoke much flattery to the people. He led many of the people to iniquity. This younger Alma 'became a great hinderment to the Church, stealing away the hearts of the people, causing much dissension and giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them.'Mosiah 27:9

We already know what happens next....and that subject is for another post, but suffice it to say, Alma the Younger has a rude awakening to his evil ways by an angel of the Lord. My favorite part of this story, however, doesn't lie with Alma the Younger. It's Alma the Elder that fascinates me in this instance.

In Mosiah 27:14 it says 'And again, the angel said: Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.'

Artist: James H. Fullmer

Alma the Elder's prayers were so strong that an Angel of the Lord came down and whacked his son into righteousness!!! I LOVE THAT!

Alma the Younger is rendered dumb, that he could not open his mouth. He also becomes weak even that he could not move his hands. In this terrifying state, he was taken by those with him, (the bratty sons of Mosiah, which is a topic of another blog post entirely) and carried in his helplessness to his father and laid before him.

Now instead of Alma the Elder being traumatized and worried, what he does next is the best....
Mosiah 27:20 "And they (sons of Mosiah) rehearsed unto his father all that had happened unto them; and his father rejoiced, for he knew that it was the power of God. And he caused that a multitude should gather together that they might witness what the Lord had done FOR his son, and also FOR those that were with him." He REJOICED at what had happened to his son. He knew that this was the beginning of a totally new life for his child who he had prayed and probably wept over for many years prior.

Sidenote: I love that Alma the Elder used the word FOR his son, instead of what the Lord had done TO his son. Our trials are FOR us, not against us!

Alma the Elder gives me hope. It helps me to realize that as I pray with great faith and conviction for my children that ANYTHING is possible. The Lord can and will help us as parents when we have great faith and rely on the Lord.

Abinadi

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I've always been impressed with Abinadi. Think about courage....Abinadi. Think about faith....Abinadi. Think about tenacity.....Abinadi. Think about testimony.....Abinadi.
We don't actually know how old he was or what his stature was like. I just always think of him as old and frail like the picture we all know and love. There's so much to love about this picture! I have studied it in detail. I L.O.V.E. King Noah's shoes. What the heck? I love that he has leopards as pets. I totally love his outfit. Stylish and decadent. And why is the guy behind Abinadi on his hands and knees? Did he fall over drunk? Did Abinadi knock him down? I digress....

Abinadi probably had only one convert. One of Noah's Priests....Alma. WOW what a convert to have. And from that one convert, untold thousands were converted through Alma and then Alma the Younger his son.

Abinadi tried to preach repentance to the people, but had no success. He came back two years later in disguise to preach again. This time is when he ended up in chains and ultimately put to death by King Noah through fire. Through it all he NEVER gave up his testimony of Jesus Christ or the Gospel.

"I say unto you, I will not recall the words which I have spoken unto you concerning this people, for they are true; and that ye may know of their surety I have suffered myself that I have fallen into your hands. Yea, and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words, and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony against you at the last day." Mosiah 17:9-10

There are so many correlations between Abinadi and Jesus Christ. He came to preach to a corrupted society. He was outside the priestly establishment. He cried repentance. He was rejected by the priests and the king. The priests lifted up their voices against him for reviling the king. The king was about to release him but was persuaded not to. He died for his testimony.

"And now, when Abinadi had said these words, he fell, having suffered death by fire; yea, having been put to death because he would not deny the commandments of God, having sealed the truth of his words by his death." Mosiah 17:20

Image: Book of Mormon Seminary Student Study Guide



 

Bound!

 

 

Isaiah describes beautifully the millenium and Lucifer's demise. Lucifer is so self absorbed. How many times in this passage does he refer to himself. I know some people who have the same problem. In other scripture passages, it says that Lucifer will be 'bound'. I picture shackles and a maximum security prison where Lucifer will be kept.

However, I have heard scriptorians say that Satan won't actually be bound. He will be bound by the righteous because they will be so spiritual at this time, that his 'binding' will be because he will be completely ineffectual in their lives. No temptations, no voices in our heads, no desire to do evil, no compulsions or obsessions. I can't wait.

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! Art thou cut down to the ground, which did weaken the nations!

For thou hast said in thy heart; "I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.

Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit. They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and shall consider thee, and shall say: Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms? And made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof, and opened not the house of his prisoners?

Thou art cast out of the grave like an abominable branch, and the remnant of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcass trodden under feet. Thou shalt not be joined with them in burial, because thou hast destroyed thy land and slain thy people; the seed of evil-doers shall never be renowed." 2 Nephi 24:12-20 compare Isaiah 14

With Plainness comes Greatness

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At the end of Nephi's recitation of Isaiah's words, he speaks regarding 'plainness'. He acknowledges that the words of Isaiah were 'hard for many of his people to understand'. He correlates understanding what Isaiah is trying to teach to basically how 'plain' we are and how willing we are to humble ourselves to learn. Nephi's soul 'delighted' in the plainness of his people.

If 'plainness' is defined as modest, simple, unostentatious and unpretentious, that would give me a key to unlocking much understanding of the Scriptures, especially Isaiah. If I am humble and diligent and pray for guidance, not placing too much value on my own understanding, then I will probably be more likely to receive spiritual revelation to begin to make sense of much of Isaiah's writings and other difficult writings.

I love that the Lord and Heavenly Father look for the humble and plain. They are not looking for the most showy or those that have accomplished the most. The complete opposite of what the world looks for. The world views 'plain' as a bad thing. Father in Heaven and Jesus are just looking for those who are humble and willing to try. In the end, with plainness comes greatness.

"Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the spirit of prophecy. But I give unto you a prophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the plainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in plainness unto my people, that they may learn." 2 Nephi 25:4

 

Just as I'm Riveted to My Seat....Along Comes Isaiah

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i·sa·iah

Just as I'm in the beginning chapters of the Book of Mormon, riveted to my seat, reading once again about the adventures of one of my favorite families: Lehi, Nephi, Laman, Lemuel, Sam and all the rest, there comes a series of passages quoted from the Prophet Isaiah. I always wondered why the Book of Mormon had to turn on a dime and go from fascinating to completely confusing with all that Isaiah-ese.

I am only now finally beginning to embrace the words of Isaiah. Not that I understand all of them, but I am starting to appreciate and find peace in them. Trying to let my mind go and visualize what Isaiah was trying to tell me personally is an interesting exercise. Jesus told the Nephites that "great are the words of Isaiah". Nephi thought the words were so important that he read them to his brothers, even though every time I picture him doing that, I see his brothers rolling their eyes in disgust! Mormon thought they were so important he included them in the abridgement of the Book of Mormon when writing materials and space were so limited. Obviously we are in desperate need of his words, yet somehow many of us just don't connect to them.

"I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.....Then said I: Wo is unto me! For I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips; and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; And he laid it upon my mouth, and said: Lo, this has touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.

Also, I heard the voice of the Lord saying; "Whom shall I send; and who will go for us? Then I said: Here am I; send me. And he said: Go and tell this people--Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not." 2 Nephi 16:1-9 and Isaiah 6

 

This passage from 2 Nephi 16 particularly caught my attention. Isaiah was one of the privledged few to have actually seen the Lord. When he saw the Lord, he said he was 'undone'. When we read the Scriptures we're supposed to somehow 'liken' ourselves to whatever is happening. I feel 'undone' a lot of the time. He was undone because he said he was a man of unclean lips and dwelt with people who had unclean lips as well. I feel the very same way. In his vision, I liked that a seraphim (definition: one of the celestial beings hovering above God's throne or a member of the highest order of angels) flew to him with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken from the altar, and put it on Isaiah's mouth. With that, Isaiah's iniquity and sin were purged. I can picture in my mind what a beautiful sight that must have been and how blessed and humbled Isaiah must have felt.

Next, I love that Isaiah heard the call of the Lord. The Lord needed help. Who should he send? Who would help the cause? I love how the uber-righteous always jump at the chance to help, no matter what the consequences. Didn't Isaiah end up meeting his demise by being 'cut asunder'? But I digress. Of course Isaiah would help as he spoke similarly the words that the Savior had previously spoken "Here am I, send me". Isaiah went and did just what was asked of him. He went and preached to the people, but they understood not. They could see him, yet they perceived him not.

Are some of the people Isaiah is trying to preach to, with little result, us of the modern church? Every time we skip or skim the pages of Isaiah in the Book of Mormon or say it's too confusing are we indeed doing exactly what what prophesied by the Lord himself.

Am I hearing yet understanding Isaiah not, seeing him, but having no perception of who he really is and what he's trying to teach to me? When the Lord calls, will I answer "Here am I, send me"?

His Hand is Stretched Out Still...

"For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still." 2 Nephi 19:21 taken from the writings of Isaiah

I have noticed that Isaiah makes this statement several times in a short section of verses. At first it doesn't make any sense. How can Jesus be angry, but still have a hand stretched out to us? In the scriptures we often have read of the Lord's outstretched hand or arm. I picture those outstretched arms reaching out to me telling me that I am good, that I can do better and that He is there to help me and walk beside me, if I choose Him.

In researching Isaiah's prophecies, I have learned that a hand is sometimes extended because he's angry but then at the same time a hand of mercy can be given. No matter what, the hand is always extended in love. I feel a sense that Heavenly Father and Jesus are reaching for us even when we are turning away from them.

I don't think 'anger' in this context is the type of anger that we understand. I picture the anger in a different way. Maybe angry because He can't be allowed to be a push-over. Jesus went thru the gauntlet for us here on earth. He performed his part perfectly. He is holding up his end of the covenant. We are the ones that keep forgetting our end of it.

I love that Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation includes contingency plans and detours that will help us get back to him. If we mess up at Point A, we can turn and get right back on the road to recovery, as it were. At some point however, these detours and helping hands will be finished. We will have had all the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th chances that we get.

The Lord's hand will soon rise in power and authority. Jesus is our advocate. His hand is stretched out in mercy to us as a continuing covenant of peace, if we have held up our end of the covenant. If not...I don't want to be on the end of the anger that will not be turned away.