(Marci-red; Kathy-green Marci blue 2020 Orange 7/2021 Brown 2022/23)
Chapter 10
There is silence in the land for many hours—The voice of Christ promises to gather His people as a hen gathers her chickens—The more righteous part of the people have been preserved. About A.D. 34–35. Sometimes, when you're ministering (trying to help), you have to back off and give the helped one time to process what's going on. I see this chapter as being that time, when the loving Savior has explained the truth to all who could hear His voice, and gives them a chance to think about what He's said. Remember, it's still dark, so not a lot of distractions going on. This gives them a chance to let what He said sink deeply into their hearts.
1 And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land how much land area did this cover? did ahear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours; That fact that "all" did hear and "all did witness" makes them very accountable for what follows. It follows then, that a loving God would want them to know so fully that they would never fall away. It also shows that the great "trial" they had just witnessed and survived did sufficiently humble them enough to receive the word of God. In our ministering, we can help others see the hand of God in their trials as preparation for greater learning if they will receive the trials in humility. Just wondering if there is a principle in "silence" after receiving the direct word of God. If this applies to the "1/2 hour of silence" - what direct word did we hear prior to 2020 that God has been giving us time to ponder and understand? All Pres. Benson's teaching/warning about communism in the 70's and 80's comes to mind. Also Elder McConkie had some very direct stern warnings too... just a thought.
2 For so great was the astonishment of the people that they did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred which had been slain; therefore there was silence in all the land for the space of many hours. What is happening here? The very God of heaven and earth had just spoken to them and told them not only what had just happened, but why it happened and that HE was the one who caused it. Then they must have been in awe that not only had they survived it, but that they had been been offered a chance to fully repent. Who was this all-mighty God and what was He really offering them. In our ministering, we can help others to see the hand of God in ALL things and His holy purpose in allowing them to survive so that He could teach them more. Did they not talk to each other at all?
3 And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it, saying: vs 1-3 Twice in these 3 verses, the word 'witness' was used. This tells me that either at that very time, or later, these people were confirming to one another or those they came in contact, through ministering, the words that Christ had spoken to them. Christ had told them a lot of things, and they were realizing that He is a God of His word, and that His watchmen, the prophets, had gotten it right and prophesied to the people exactly what was going to happen, and it did, even if it wasn't on their timetable. Their contemplations were so enormous, that even the mourning of loss of their loved ones was replaced by pondering.
4 O ye people of these agreat cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I bgathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have cnourished you. In Jerusalem he said "how oft WOULD I gather you" but here He says, how oft HAVE I gathered you. Significant?
5 And again, ahow oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. He seems to have divided them in to 2 groups (sheep and goats?) Those He was talking to that survived that He HAS gathered often (possibly meaning they have responded and actually been gathered in the past) and those who did not survive and those at Jerusalem that WOULD NOT be gathered and thus were destroyed.
6 O ye house of Israel whom I have aspared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and breturn unto me with full purpose of cheart. I love this imagery. First He reminds them how oft he HAS gathered them in the past. Then He makes them accountable by telling them that if they weren't under His protective wing in the past, He WOULD have protected them but THEY would not come. Then He finally promises them that He always WILL gather them in the future, if they choose to respond to His loving, protective invitation. It is also significant to me that He identifies them as the House of Israel and that He specifically was gathering them under His protective care. Why is that so important that Israel be gathered first? vs 4-6: Christ again speaks, and reassures them that even though the judgments have fallen on the people, He proclaims His everlasting love for them, and extends His arm to them. The Master of the Universe offers them hope, safety and salvation if they will just come unto Him. Seems like the House of Israel often strays (prone to wander) but is continually called to by God (because of covenants?)
7 But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become adesolate until the time of the fulfilling of the bcovenant to your fathers. The footnote on 'covenant' takes you to the Book of Enos where we are told that the 'covenant' made to Enos and also his fathers, was that the record they were keeping would not be destroyed, but would be preserved for their posterity, so that they could be 'gathered back in'. I think this is part of understanding what Malachi meant when he talked about turning the hearts of the children to the fathers. When they realize they have not repented and been left desolate, but then realize there is a God and who they are, they will know they have only been extended this mercy because of covenants made to their fathers...not because of anything they have done. Wondering if there is a pattern in His words. How many times when the Lord says in the scriptures, "If you will repent...you will be blessed, but if not, then...this will happen" and then what plays out is that they DON'T repent and the "but if not" part of the promise is fulfilled. (see other blog)
8 And now it came to pass that after the people had heard these words, behold, they began to weep and howl aagain because of the loss of their kindred and friends. I'm not sure why they began to weep and howl again but it's possible that it's showing how quick we are to turn back to our inward view of self. Perhaps it is because they are still experiencing aftershocks and hearing the groanings of the earth and felt like perhaps the destruction could begin again and that they might not still be spared. Perhaps they are wishing that their family and friends that were destroyed could have been spared or been given one more chance as they had been given. vs 7-8: They are seeing personally, that Christ is IS a Man of His word, and that if they don't come unto Him, they will become desolate as all their friends and loved ones have just recently become, and the ancient promise and covenant would be saved and moved to our day, which reflection made them emotional again, for the sadness of the fallen.
9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the adarkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the brocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away. Christ has been resurrected! So during all this darkness and silence, the earth was still groaning and trembling. Seems like this would keep them feeling anxious and fearful considering what had just happened. I always thought it was 3 days of darkness before they heard anything. Now it looks to me like they were spoken to during the darkness. I wonder how long before they heard his voice the first time?
10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the amourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer. Once the temporal threats and fears are removed, they are open to joy and praise. Notice they "turned" to it, showing us that their focus or attention has shifted from fear to faith and that it was a choice where they put their focus. Part of our purpose in ministering temporally is to remove the fears that come with temporal lack so that people can 'turn' their focus to spiritual things. It's hard to hear past the rumblings of our tummies. Remember, even Lehi went into fear when Nephi broke his bow and he became super hungry. vs 9-10: I didn't quite put together until now, that earth was still trembling, rocks were still rending, and groanings and tumultuous noises were still happening even at this time. But now, it stops, the earth comes together, and the darkness disperses, and the people become joyful, in that they can see again, and gather together to share all they've witnessed. Further, what they saw was a huge testament to the power of God, and what judgments occur when His people become embroiled in sin.
11 And thus far were the ascriptures bfulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets. Mormon is making it clear that scripture has been and will always be fulfilled. Prophets prophesy so that we may know with certainty what is coming and how to prepare. Are we listening? As we minister, we can help people remember and see how God's word has always been fulfilled in the past and will yet be fulfilled in the future. We live in the last of the last days before the return of the Savior. Do we know what the prophecies are that will yet come? We should be familiar with them, so we are not caught unawares and can testify that God's word is/has been fulfilled
12 And it was the amore righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared— See here that the people who were spared, were only 'more righteous', not perfect. What made them 'more righteous'? They had received the prophets and not stoned, murdered, or cast them out. Now, it seems that they were still friends or family with those who had or they would not have mourned their loss so much, but they had separated themselves from the evil doings of others. Had they tried to minister to them to get them to turn back to God or had they just ignored what they were doing? Was part of the mourning that they had not tried harder to turn their hearts? I wonder... Notice Mormon chooses to call them "more righteous" not "less wicked".
13 And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. I think it's interesting that Mormon chooses to itemize for a third time the specific destruction that befell those who had rejected Christ. Remember, he has seen our day and witnessed that the prophecies and promises of God will ALL be fulfilled. He wants us to have a very vivid and clear picture of what will happen to the wicked as well as the righteous. We have been warned and we have been taught and the invitation has been extended. Now we choose. vs 11-13: Christ gives them more time to process these new revelations and confirmations. Though He's not there yet, I still think this is ministering, by letting the people experience this great sadness mixed with great joy, as they bury their dead, clear debris, try to put their lives back together, and realize just how blessed and fortunate they each are, and as they realize that they are the ones who had received, and didn't stone the prophets or shed the blood of the saints, and yet all around them, are the bodies and the consequences for the ones who did.
14 And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him asearch them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by btempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the copening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets.
15 Behold, I say unto you, Yea, many have testified of these things at the coming of Christ, and were aslain because they testified of these things.
16 Yea, the prophet aZenos did testify of these things, and also Zenock spake bconcerning these things, because they testified particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed. Mormon wants us to be clear that these prophecies were spoken and recorded for centuries and given many times. Notice the prophecies were 'particular' about the house of Israel. We must know the prophecies and promises that have been made concerning us and our day. How blessed we are to have this record, written so that we may know! How important that we make these things known to our kindred and friends.
17 Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a aremnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem? Notice again the importance of the scriptures and what they say and why they have been preserved for us. And why it was so important that Nephi secured the brass plates for them to know and understand through the centuries.
18 And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called aLamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great bblessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the cascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them
19 aShowing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings. Here we go! v 14-19: At this point, Mormon (correct me if I'm wrong--is it that prophet, Nephi, from that day?), steps back to add his testimony of the ministering of all the prophets of the Americas, down through the generations--even prophets whose records we don't yet have (Zenos and Zenock), had all verily been fulfilled concerning the coming of Christ. He also is whetting our appetite about the delights we are about to read in Chapters 11-26, by telling us of the feast ahead to be enjoyed--the great favors and magnificent blessings poured out upon the heads of these survivors, in Christ's personal appearance and never-to-be-forgotten one-by-one ministry.
Marci, this exercise has helped me peek into the life of Sister Kathy S. Andersen, and why she would be such an exemplary helpmeet for an apostle. Her husband extols her 'taking apart the scriptures and studying the verses individually,' and I don't think I've ever done that. I've always enjoyed the 'aura' of a chapter, and been grateful for the truths there, but to go through each verse and savor the meanings, both in context with the other verses, and individually (accompanied by much use of the footnotes!), has been a rare and highly satisfying experience for me. Thank you! Kathy
1 And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land how much land area did this cover? did ahear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours; That fact that "all" did hear and "all did witness" makes them very accountable for what follows. It follows then, that a loving God would want them to know so fully that they would never fall away. It also shows that the great "trial" they had just witnessed and survived did sufficiently humble them enough to receive the word of God. In our ministering, we can help others see the hand of God in their trials as preparation for greater learning if they will receive the trials in humility. Just wondering if there is a principle in "silence" after receiving the direct word of God. If this applies to the "1/2 hour of silence" - what direct word did we hear prior to 2020 that God has been giving us time to ponder and understand? All Pres. Benson's teaching/warning about communism in the 70's and 80's comes to mind. Also Elder McConkie had some very direct stern warnings too... just a thought.
2 For so great was the astonishment of the people that they did cease lamenting and howling for the loss of their kindred which had been slain; therefore there was silence in all the land for the space of many hours. What is happening here? The very God of heaven and earth had just spoken to them and told them not only what had just happened, but why it happened and that HE was the one who caused it. Then they must have been in awe that not only had they survived it, but that they had been been offered a chance to fully repent. Who was this all-mighty God and what was He really offering them. In our ministering, we can help others to see the hand of God in ALL things and His holy purpose in allowing them to survive so that He could teach them more. Did they not talk to each other at all?
3 And it came to pass that there came a voice again unto the people, and all the people did hear, and did witness of it, saying: vs 1-3 Twice in these 3 verses, the word 'witness' was used. This tells me that either at that very time, or later, these people were confirming to one another or those they came in contact, through ministering, the words that Christ had spoken to them. Christ had told them a lot of things, and they were realizing that He is a God of His word, and that His watchmen, the prophets, had gotten it right and prophesied to the people exactly what was going to happen, and it did, even if it wasn't on their timetable. Their contemplations were so enormous, that even the mourning of loss of their loved ones was replaced by pondering.
4 O ye people of these agreat cities which have fallen, who are descendants of Jacob, yea, who are of the house of Israel, how oft have I bgathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and have cnourished you. In Jerusalem he said "how oft WOULD I gather you" but here He says, how oft HAVE I gathered you. Significant?
5 And again, ahow oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. He seems to have divided them in to 2 groups (sheep and goats?) Those He was talking to that survived that He HAS gathered often (possibly meaning they have responded and actually been gathered in the past) and those who did not survive and those at Jerusalem that WOULD NOT be gathered and thus were destroyed.
6 O ye house of Israel whom I have aspared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and breturn unto me with full purpose of cheart. I love this imagery. First He reminds them how oft he HAS gathered them in the past. Then He makes them accountable by telling them that if they weren't under His protective wing in the past, He WOULD have protected them but THEY would not come. Then He finally promises them that He always WILL gather them in the future, if they choose to respond to His loving, protective invitation. It is also significant to me that He identifies them as the House of Israel and that He specifically was gathering them under His protective care. Why is that so important that Israel be gathered first? vs 4-6: Christ again speaks, and reassures them that even though the judgments have fallen on the people, He proclaims His everlasting love for them, and extends His arm to them. The Master of the Universe offers them hope, safety and salvation if they will just come unto Him. Seems like the House of Israel often strays (prone to wander) but is continually called to by God (because of covenants?)
7 But if not, O house of Israel, the places of your dwellings shall become adesolate until the time of the fulfilling of the bcovenant to your fathers. The footnote on 'covenant' takes you to the Book of Enos where we are told that the 'covenant' made to Enos and also his fathers, was that the record they were keeping would not be destroyed, but would be preserved for their posterity, so that they could be 'gathered back in'. I think this is part of understanding what Malachi meant when he talked about turning the hearts of the children to the fathers. When they realize they have not repented and been left desolate, but then realize there is a God and who they are, they will know they have only been extended this mercy because of covenants made to their fathers...not because of anything they have done. Wondering if there is a pattern in His words. How many times when the Lord says in the scriptures, "If you will repent...you will be blessed, but if not, then...this will happen" and then what plays out is that they DON'T repent and the "but if not" part of the promise is fulfilled. (see other blog)
8 And now it came to pass that after the people had heard these words, behold, they began to weep and howl aagain because of the loss of their kindred and friends. I'm not sure why they began to weep and howl again but it's possible that it's showing how quick we are to turn back to our inward view of self. Perhaps it is because they are still experiencing aftershocks and hearing the groanings of the earth and felt like perhaps the destruction could begin again and that they might not still be spared. Perhaps they are wishing that their family and friends that were destroyed could have been spared or been given one more chance as they had been given. vs 7-8: They are seeing personally, that Christ is IS a Man of His word, and that if they don't come unto Him, they will become desolate as all their friends and loved ones have just recently become, and the ancient promise and covenant would be saved and moved to our day, which reflection made them emotional again, for the sadness of the fallen.
9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the adarkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the brocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away. Christ has been resurrected! So during all this darkness and silence, the earth was still groaning and trembling. Seems like this would keep them feeling anxious and fearful considering what had just happened. I always thought it was 3 days of darkness before they heard anything. Now it looks to me like they were spoken to during the darkness. I wonder how long before they heard his voice the first time?
10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the amourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer. Once the temporal threats and fears are removed, they are open to joy and praise. Notice they "turned" to it, showing us that their focus or attention has shifted from fear to faith and that it was a choice where they put their focus. Part of our purpose in ministering temporally is to remove the fears that come with temporal lack so that people can 'turn' their focus to spiritual things. It's hard to hear past the rumblings of our tummies. Remember, even Lehi went into fear when Nephi broke his bow and he became super hungry. vs 9-10: I didn't quite put together until now, that earth was still trembling, rocks were still rending, and groanings and tumultuous noises were still happening even at this time. But now, it stops, the earth comes together, and the darkness disperses, and the people become joyful, in that they can see again, and gather together to share all they've witnessed. Further, what they saw was a huge testament to the power of God, and what judgments occur when His people become embroiled in sin.
11 And thus far were the ascriptures bfulfilled which had been spoken by the prophets. Mormon is making it clear that scripture has been and will always be fulfilled. Prophets prophesy so that we may know with certainty what is coming and how to prepare. Are we listening? As we minister, we can help people remember and see how God's word has always been fulfilled in the past and will yet be fulfilled in the future. We live in the last of the last days before the return of the Savior. Do we know what the prophecies are that will yet come? We should be familiar with them, so we are not caught unawares and can testify that God's word is/has been fulfilled
12 And it was the amore righteous part of the people who were saved, and it was they who received the prophets and stoned them not; and it was they who had not shed the blood of the saints, who were spared— See here that the people who were spared, were only 'more righteous', not perfect. What made them 'more righteous'? They had received the prophets and not stoned, murdered, or cast them out. Now, it seems that they were still friends or family with those who had or they would not have mourned their loss so much, but they had separated themselves from the evil doings of others. Had they tried to minister to them to get them to turn back to God or had they just ignored what they were doing? Was part of the mourning that they had not tried harder to turn their hearts? I wonder... Notice Mormon chooses to call them "more righteous" not "less wicked".
13 And they were spared and were not sunk and buried up in the earth; and they were not drowned in the depths of the sea; and they were not burned by fire, neither were they fallen upon and crushed to death; and they were not carried away in the whirlwind; neither were they overpowered by the vapor of smoke and of darkness. I think it's interesting that Mormon chooses to itemize for a third time the specific destruction that befell those who had rejected Christ. Remember, he has seen our day and witnessed that the prophecies and promises of God will ALL be fulfilled. He wants us to have a very vivid and clear picture of what will happen to the wicked as well as the righteous. We have been warned and we have been taught and the invitation has been extended. Now we choose. vs 11-13: Christ gives them more time to process these new revelations and confirmations. Though He's not there yet, I still think this is ministering, by letting the people experience this great sadness mixed with great joy, as they bury their dead, clear debris, try to put their lives back together, and realize just how blessed and fortunate they each are, and as they realize that they are the ones who had received, and didn't stone the prophets or shed the blood of the saints, and yet all around them, are the bodies and the consequences for the ones who did.
14 And now, whoso readeth, let him understand; he that hath the scriptures, let him asearch them, and see and behold if all these deaths and destructions by fire, and by smoke, and by btempests, and by whirlwinds, and by the copening of the earth to receive them, and all these things are not unto the fulfilling of the prophecies of many of the holy prophets.
15 Behold, I say unto you, Yea, many have testified of these things at the coming of Christ, and were aslain because they testified of these things.
16 Yea, the prophet aZenos did testify of these things, and also Zenock spake bconcerning these things, because they testified particularly concerning us, who are the remnant of their seed. Mormon wants us to be clear that these prophecies were spoken and recorded for centuries and given many times. Notice the prophecies were 'particular' about the house of Israel. We must know the prophecies and promises that have been made concerning us and our day. How blessed we are to have this record, written so that we may know! How important that we make these things known to our kindred and friends.
17 Behold, our father Jacob also testified concerning a aremnant of the seed of Joseph. And behold, are not we a remnant of the seed of Joseph? And these things which testify of us, are they not written upon the plates of brass which our father Lehi brought out of Jerusalem? Notice again the importance of the scriptures and what they say and why they have been preserved for us. And why it was so important that Nephi secured the brass plates for them to know and understand through the centuries.
18 And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called aLamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great bblessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the cascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them
19 aShowing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings. Here we go! v 14-19: At this point, Mormon (correct me if I'm wrong--is it that prophet, Nephi, from that day?), steps back to add his testimony of the ministering of all the prophets of the Americas, down through the generations--even prophets whose records we don't yet have (Zenos and Zenock), had all verily been fulfilled concerning the coming of Christ. He also is whetting our appetite about the delights we are about to read in Chapters 11-26, by telling us of the feast ahead to be enjoyed--the great favors and magnificent blessings poured out upon the heads of these survivors, in Christ's personal appearance and never-to-be-forgotten one-by-one ministry.
Marci, this exercise has helped me peek into the life of Sister Kathy S. Andersen, and why she would be such an exemplary helpmeet for an apostle. Her husband extols her 'taking apart the scriptures and studying the verses individually,' and I don't think I've ever done that. I've always enjoyed the 'aura' of a chapter, and been grateful for the truths there, but to go through each verse and savor the meanings, both in context with the other verses, and individually (accompanied by much use of the footnotes!), has been a rare and highly satisfying experience for me. Thank you! Kathy
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