Mosiah 26

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20 Green 4/21 Orange 6/22 Brown 6/2023)

Chapter 26

Many members of the Church are led into sin by unbelievers—Alma is promised eternal life—Those who repent and are baptized gain forgiveness—Church members in sin who repent and confess to Alma and to the Lord will be forgiven; otherwise, they will not be numbered among the people of the Church. About 120–100 B.C.

  1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the ^awords of king Benjamin, King Benjamin spoke about 124 BC. This chapter says its between 120 and 100 BC. So It began only about 4 years after the speech. Children that would be too young to understand would probably be younger than 12. So in this 20 year span, those children would be 16-26. being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did ^bnot believe the tradition of their fathers. At first I thought maybe the parents didn't teach them the gospel. But this sentence makes it sound like they were taught but just didn't believe. What would turn a whole generation? I know when my children were growing up there were age groups that would come up that were more difficult than others. Never knew why that was, but it seems to have always been that way... There is a whole generation now that have turned from the "traditions of their fathers" believing that everyone has their "own truth" and that we shouldn't judge what others want to do/say/believe. How did they get that way? Intense efforts from the adversary through social media.
  2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. Why would they be enticed to believe this? I guess if these is not after life or day of judgment or atonement for sin, then it's "anything goes"...
  3 And now because of their ^aunbelief they could not ^bunderstand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened . Belief/faith precedes understanding...This seems like such a key principle for our day. What things do we have unbelief about? Is it causing us to not understand the word of God and our hearts to harden? What evidence is there this could be happening? Healings come to mind... There is so much belief that the science of medicine has come as a blessing and revelation from God. This belief blocks the belief in healings and as a result we don't have many. Get a blessing AND go to the doctor. Which will you have more trust and faith in? The tangible doctor and his prescription or the unseen and unexplainable miracle of God and healing? Our doctor prophet sadly epitomized this when we prayed for a miraculous end to the pandemic and instead of healing received man's vaccine, which has been totally designed by Satan to harm. But, the prophet was "trained up in the way he should go" in the science of medicine and "when he was old he didn't depart from it". I know he says in his biography that God revealed to him many things about the heart. I don't doubt that. But how much better to receive the fullness of the priesthood so that you can heal by the power of God any time you need to. 
  4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the ^achurch. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their ^bcarnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God. How sad for the parents of these youth. They had all been "born again" and had such an amazing experience at the time of King Benjamin's speech. How their hearts must have broken for their rebellious children. Total rejection of the truth. "and remained so ever after"...no repentance and returning? Tragic!
  5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the ^adissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. Watch out for contention and dissension (are these words different? not really)
  6 For it came to pass that they did ^adeceive many with their ^bflattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be ^cadmonished by the church. Interesting wording in light of the principle of agency that these people "caused" others to commit many sins. Did they "cause" it because without their flattering words people would not have been enticed and tempted to sin?
  7 And it came to pass that they were brought before the priests, and delivered up unto the ^apriests by the teachers; and the priests brought them before Alma, who was the ^bhigh priest.
  8 Now king Mosiah had given Alma the ^aauthority over the ^bchurch.
  9 And it came to pass that Alma did not know concerning them; but there were many ^awitnesses against them; yea, the people stood and testified of their iniquity in abundance.
 10 Now there had not any such thing happened before in the church; therefore Alma was troubled in his spirit, and he caused that they should be brought before the king.
 11 And he said unto the king: Behold, here are many whom we have brought before thee, who are accused of their brethren; yea, and they have been taken in divers iniquities. Sounds like the woman taken in adultry... And they do not repent of their iniquities; therefore we have brought them before thee, that thou mayest judge them according to their crimes.
 12 But king Mosiah said unto Alma: Behold, I judge them not; therefore I ^adeliver them into thy hands to be judged. Spiritual matter, not political.
 13 And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God. This is a wonderful prayer. Help me not do the wrong thing in thy sight. Alma was not quick to pass judgment. I wonder what kinds of worries he had about this matter? Was he worried about the parents? the kids? the precedence for future sinners? 
 14 And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the ^avoice of the Lord came to him, saying: Do you know how to really pour out your whole soul to God? 
 15 Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the ^awaters of Mormon. Thou art blessed because of thy exceeding ^bfaith in the words alone of my servant Abinadi. Interesting the Lord takes him back to the beginning of his faith experience...
 16 And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.
 17 And blessed art thou because thou hast established a ^achurch among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.  Is this a promise of the Baptism by fire and remission of sins?
 18 Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my ^aname; for in my ^bname shall they be called; and they are mine.
 19 And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. Blessed because he wanted to make a righteous judgement and wasn’t quick to condemn or want them to just be punished or excommunicated. 
 20 Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have ^aeternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. This sounds like "calling and election" language. It also sounds like he was officially called to be the prophet. The mission of a prophet is to gather and witness. 
 21 And he that will hear my voice shall be my ^asheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.
 22 For behold, ^athis is my ^bchurch; whosoever is ^cbaptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall ^dbelieve in my name; and him will I freely ^eforgive. Notice it is "baptized UNTO repentance"...
 23 For it is I that taketh upon me the ^asins of the world; for it is I that hath ^bcreated them; and it is How is Jesus our "creator"? I thought Father in Heaven is our creator? Does it have something to do with the creation of Adam? I that granteth unto him that believeth unto the end a place at my right hand.
 24 For behold, in my name are they called; and if they ^aknow me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand.
 25 And it shall come to pass that when the ^asecond trump shall sound then shall they that never ^bknew me come forth and shall stand before me.
 26 And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed.
 27 And then I will confess unto them that I never ^aknew them; and they shall ^bdepart into ^ceverlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Lots of repetition concerning knowing the Lord and Him knowing us. I think that comes from the second baptism by fire.
 28 Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not ^ahear my voice, the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him I will not receive at the last day. This is either simple or hard. Simple to "hear" His voice. Hard to "do" what His voice says. Is He talking about the "Church of the Firstborn"? That title sounds like it is His church just as much as the title "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints".
 29 Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye ^ajudge ^baccording to the sins which he has committed; Wait...he's supposed to judge? That is quite the idea for our day...although he is a religious "judge" like a Bishop and if he ^cconfess his sins before thee and me, and ^drepenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye ^eforgive, and I will forgive him also.
 30 Yea, and ^aas often as my people ^brepent will I forgive them their trespasses against me. One of my favorite scriptures. I always said (but never did it) I would put a sign over my door that instead of saying "return with honor" would say this scripture. This supports the idea that a righteous person is just someone who is always repenting.
 31 And ye shall also ^aforgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his ^bneighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation. Is there a condition to repentance? Does the person have to say they repent first?
 32 Now I say unto you, Go; and whosoever will ^anot repent of his sins the same shall not be numbered among my people; and this shall be observed from this time forward. We can love and forgive those who trespass against us, but we can also cut ourselves off from them.
 33 And it came to pass when Alma had heard these words he ^awrote them down that he might have them, Great record keeping example Reminds me of the D&C and that he might judge the people of that church according to the commandments of God.
 34 And it came to pass that Alma went and judged those that had been taken in iniquity, according to the ^aword of the Lord.
 35 And whosoever repented of their sins and did ^aconfess them, them he did number among the people of the church; Clearly this is talking about the organizational church, not the Church of the Firstborn.
 36 And those that would not confess their sins and repent of their iniquity, the same were not numbered among the people of the church, and their names were ^ablotted out. If we did it this way today, there would be a lot more names removed from the records of the church
 37 And it came to pass that Alma did regulate all the affairs of the church; and they began again to have peace and to prosper exceedingly in the affairs of the church, walking circumspectly before God, receiving many, and baptizing many. Notice they had peace and prosperity even though there were those among them who didn’t believe and/or had been excommunicated. and were still persecuting them...
38 And now all these things did Alma and his ^afellow laborers do who were over the church,
^bwalking in all diligence,
teaching the word of God in all things, ALL things...
suffering all manner of afflictions, What were these? persecutions still? temporal?
being persecuted by all those who did not belong to the church of God.
Obedience doesn't mean there's not persecution. Maybe the “peace” referred to above was just within the church. 
39 And they did admonish their brethren; and they were also ^aadmonished, every one by the word of God, according to his sins, or to the sins which he had committed, being commanded of God to ^bpray without ceasing, and to give ^cthanks in all things. Not so easy to do in our day. Such a strong culture of "not judging" and defensiveness when judged. How do you pray without ceasing? How do you give thanks in ALL things?

Mosiah 25

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20 green 3/21 Orange 6/22  Brown 2023.)

Chapter 25

The descendants of Mulek at Zarahemla become Nephites—They learn of the people of Alma and of Zeniff—Alma baptizes Limhi and all his people—Mosiah authorizes Alma to organize the Church of God. About 120 B.C.

  1 And now king Mosiah caused that all the people should be gathered together.
  2 Now there were not so many of the children of Nephi, or so many of those who were descendants of Nephi, as there were of the ^apeople of Zarahemla, who was a descendant of ^bMulek, I sometimes forget this... and those who came with him into the wilderness.
  3 And there were not so many of the people of Nephi and of the people of Zarahemla as there were of the Lamanites; yea, they were not half so numerous. Why were there so many more Lamanites?  Was it just how they were spread out or were there really twice as many Lamanites? Could be that there were more to start with: Laman, Lemuel, Children of Ishmael vs. Nephi, Sam, Zoram. Then add the dissenters over the years which is more than those that stay faithful...?
  4 And now all the people of Nephi were assembled together, and also all the people of Zarahemla, and they were gathered together in two bodies. divided by heritage or just split in 2 groups? Did they split on their own because of how they identified? Labels are a problem in our day...
  5 And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the records of Zeniff to his people; yea, he read the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they ^aleft the land of Zarahemla until they ^breturned again.
  6 And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again.
  7 And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried does this mean some left? took too long? in the land were struck with wonder and amazement. Know your history and God's dealings with man Was this a long session? 
  8 For they knew not what to think; Follow the yo-yo emotions here... for when they beheld those that had been delivered ^aout of bondage they were filled with exceedingly great joy.
  9 And again, when they thought of their brethren who had been ^aslain by the Lamanites they were filled with sorrow, and even shed many tears of sorrow.
 10 And again, when they thought of the immediate interesting expression goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of ^abondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God.
 11 And again, when they thought upon the Lamanites, who were their brethren, of their sinful and ^apolluted state, they were filled with ^bpain and anguish for the ^cwelfare of their souls. Always so impressed that generationally they see the Lamanites as their brothers; and that they are generationally so concerned for their souls and not filled with vengeance. This had to have been taught to them just as clearly as the Lamanites taught their children to hate the Nephites.
 12 And it came to pass that those who ^awere the children of Amulon and his brethren, who had taken to wife the ^bdaughters of the Lamanites, were displeased with the conduct of their fathers, true history can change the hearts of the youth and they would no longer be called by the names of their fathers, therefore they took upon themselves the name of Nephi, that they might be called the children of Nephi and be numbered among those who were ^ccalled Nephites. I’m thinking these were children who had been abandoned by their fathers.
 13 And now all the people of Zarahemla were ^anumbered with the Nephites, and this because the kingdom had been conferred upon none but those who were descendants of Nephi. Interesting that the majority group in their home town gave up so much authority and identity to the newcomers. Much humility going on here...They must have recognized priesthood authority or something like that.
 14 And now it came to pass that when Mosiah had made an end of speaking and reading to the people, he desired that Alma should also speak to the people.
 15 And Alma did speak unto them, when they were assembled together in large bodies, and he went from one body to another, preaching unto the people repentance and faith on the Lord. Looks like they transitioned from one body to smaller groups.
 16 And he did exhort the people of Limhi and his brethren, all those that had been delivered out of bondage, that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.
 17 And it came to pass that after Alma had taught the people many things, and had made an end of speaking to them, that king Limhi was desirous that he might be baptized; and all his people were desirous that they might be baptized also.
 18 Therefore, Alma did go forth into the water and did ^abaptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the ^bwaters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma. There is an "idea" going around out there, that you don't need to be anything but a believer in God to belong to the Church of God. They cite "where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am also" and "there are two churches only, the church of the Lamb of God and the church of the devil". Jesus example and this verse clarify the doctrine.
 19 And it came to pass that king Mosiah granted unto Alma that he might establish ^achurches throughout all the land of Zarahemla; and gave him power to ^bordain ^cpriests and ^dteachers over every church.
 20 Now this was done because there were so many people that they could not all be governed by one teacher; neither could they all hear the word of God in one assembly;
 21 Therefore they did ^aassemble themselves together in different bodies, being called churches; every church having their priests and their teachers, and every priest preaching the word according as it was delivered to him by the mouth of Alma. First example of church correlation department:)
 22 And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one ^achurch, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God. Have we diluted this core message? And it is repentance and faith unto receiving the full remission of sins and faith to receive the baptism by fire. This sounds simplistic, but really, it all comes down to these two things. Repentance, because we live in a fallen world with fallen natures, so we'll be constantly repenting. And faith in God, because it takes faith to keep every commandment and follow every prompting. Without faith, we can do nothing. When we repent, it is really for a lack of faith. We would not sin if we had enough faith. We mostly sin out of fear or blindness. Our task in this life is to "rend the veil of unbelief" and increase our faith in Jesus Christ. 
 23 And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla. And it came to pass that whosoever were desirous to take upon them the ^aname of Christ, or of God, they did join the churches of God; Is it a coincidence that there were seven churches in the Book of Revelations? 
 24 And they were called the ^apeople of God. And the Lord did pour out his ^bSpirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in the land. Do we really see ourselves as “the people of God”? If so, do we live and act as such? Isaiah says God requires righteousness from His people. Do we repent daily to remain worthy to be called His people? 

Mosiah 24

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20yellow, green 2/14 purple 2/21 orange 6/22  Brown 2023)

Chapter 24

Amulon persecutes Alma and his people—They are to be put to death if they pray—The Lord makes their burdens seem light—He delivers them from bondage, and they return to Zarahemla. About 145–120 B.C.

  1 And it came to pass that Amulon did gain favor in the eyes of the king of the Lamanites; therefore, the king of the Lamanites granted unto him and his brethren that they should be appointed teachers over his people, yea, even over the people who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the land of Shilom, and in the ^aland of Amulon.
  2 For the Lamanites had taken possession of all these lands; therefore, the king of the Lamanites had appointed kings over all these lands.
  3 And now the name of the king of the Lamanites was ^aLaman, being called after the name of his father; and therefore he was called king Laman. And he was king over a numerous people.
  4 And he appointed ^ateachers of the ^bbrethren of Amulon in every land which was possessed by his people; and thus the ^clanguage of Nephi began to be taught among all the people of the Lamanites. Interesting that he did this. Wonder why... Did they not speak the same language as the  Nephites anymore? Or does "language" represent other kinds of learning? 
  5 And they were a people friendly one with another; nevertheless they knew not God; neither did the brethren of Amulon teach them anything concerning the Lord their God, neither the law of Moses; nor did they teach them the words of Abinadi; but the teachers knew these things?
  6 But they taught them that they should keep their record, and that they might write one to another. I'm assuming the Lamanites could not read or write, and that's why they taught the language of the Nephites Ah....
  7 And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches, and began to ^atrade one with another and wax great, and began to be a cunning and a wise people, as to the wisdom of the world, yea, a very cunning people, delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among their own brethren. Look what true freedom of speech allows, both for good and evil. Were they "plundering" one another? What is the "wisdom of the world"? 
  8 And now it came to pass that ^aAmulon began to exercise ^bauthority over Alma and his brethren, and began to persecute him, and cause that his children should persecute their children. After the manner of the Lamanites who taught their children to hate the Nephites.
  9 For Amulon knew Alma, that he had been ^aone of the king’s priests, Remember Amulon was one of the priests of Noah with Alma and he was one of the priests that kidnapped the daughters of the Lamanites. It also means that Amulon knew full well about God and the law of Moses and chose not to teach it. and that it was he that believed the words of Abinadi and was driven out before the king, "driven" out? Not exactly, except by the Lord...and therefore he was wroth with him; for he was subject to king Laman, yet he exercised authority over them, and put ^btasks upon them, and put ^ctask-masters over them.
 10 And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.
 11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; It sounds like crying mightily here means it was out loud, or how else could they command them to stop? So if we feel to pray "mighty" prayers, is this teaching us that we need to "cry outloud"? and he ^aput guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death. The evil side always wants to silence the righteous voice. Death for praying? Really? Why is he so threatened by this? Does he think if they don't pray outloud that God won't hear their prayers? And if he just found it annoying...is that really something punishable by death? Talk about a "snowflake"!
 12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their ^ahearts to him; and he did know the ^bthoughts of their hearts. Notice in this case they did not take a stand "I have a right to pray and you can't tell me I can't and I'll defend that right even if you kill me." The deeper principle is that you can pray in your heart and truly no man can force you not to do that. SO they didn't really lose their right to pray.  Sometimes it is better to "render unto Caesar what is his..." I’m not really sure that is a correct use of the “render to Cesar” phrase. Here’s an article (https://mises.org/wire/render-unto-caesar-most-misunderstood-new-testament-passage) where someone presents a different interpretation of Jesus answer to the question that was posed. In it he says if ALL is God’s then “Caesar” really owns nothing and you render nothing to him. The article is worth the read. 
 13 And it ^acame to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage. Covenants are two way promises
 14 And I will also ease the ^aburdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as ^bwitnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their ^cafflictions. Seems to be telling them that the deliverance will not be immediate specifically so they will have experience they can witness about in the future.
 15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; What exactly were these burdens? yea, the Lord did ^astrengthen them that they could bear up their ^bburdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with ^cpatience to all the will of the Lord. Part of this may have been due to the promise that deliverance was indeed coming. Notice that they didn't submit to Amulon...but to the Lord. It's all perception and perspective...And they knew they would have to witness to the Lord's intervention so they were quick to recognize His tender mercies and it made them glad!
 16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage. Did their faith and patience speed up the plan of the Lord? Notice that faith can be "so great". It is not all or nothing. It can be little faith, or great faith and great faith has more power than little faith. 
 17 And he said unto Alma: Thou shalt go before this people, and I will go ^awith thee and deliver this people out of ^bbondage.
 18 Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night-time gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all the night-time were they gathering their flocks together. Another night-time escape. Interesting that it's this way. My "stereo-type" is that wicked people stay up all night and do their evil deeds in the cover of night. Maybe their weakness was being drunk and that's when they slept...
 19 And in the morning the Lord caused a ^adeep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task-masters were in a profound sleep. Here the Lord is intervening in the history/agency of man to accomplish His purposes. No deep sleep due to being drunk? Just a God-induced deep sleep? Will God do this again when it’s time for his people to escape again? Maybe it's important that we know this story so we can call upon God in greater faith, to do this for us as He's done in the past. How will He ask us to show "greater faith" so we can have this miracle?
 20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness; and when they had traveled all day they pitched their tents in a valley, and they called the valley Alma, because he led their way in the wilderness.
 21 Yea, and in the valley of Alma they poured out their ^athanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their ^bburdens, and had delivered them out of bondage; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it were the Lord their God. Before, they gave the guards wine and got them super drunk. Maybe this was a "fool me twice" thing and that was not an option again. 
 22 And they gave ^athanks to God, yea, all their men and all their women and all their children that could speak lifted their voices in the praises of their God. Out loud.

(video: "Advice from Elder Busche")

 

trials....adversity...challenges....
we all have them.

no one wants them.

we ask, "why?"

sometimes it's about patience

sometimes it's about faith

but there is always a choice

the choice to

react

or

respond...

to act

or 

be acted upon.

If you have made covenants,

then you have already made "the choice"

the only question that remains, is

will you "keep" your covenant...

Keep your promise

Have faith

Be patient
Submit cheerfully and with patience

to ALL the will of the Lord.

Then rejoice and give thanks

when you are delivered

and then share your witness!

 
23 And now the Lord said unto Alma: Haste thee and get thou and this people out of this land, for the Lamanites have awakened and do pursue thee; therefore get thee out of this land, and I will stop the Lamanites in this valley that they come no further in pursuit of this people. This reminds me of Elder Holland saying the Lord will say to this virus "This far and no farther!" I am tempted to think this didn't come to pass, but maybe it did. The virus had a 99.7% survival rate. That sounds like "this far and no further". The rest of the death came from man not treating it correctly; lack of priesthood healings due to lack of true faith and ability to exercise priesthood power; not intervening sooner with therapeutics; calling deaths that weren't from Covid, still death by Covid; and controlling the media. THAT part of the pandemic, God seems to let go on and on and on as far as we let it. 
 24 And it came to pass that they departed out of the valley, and took their journey into the wilderness.
 25 And after they had been in the wilderness ^atwelve days they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also ^breceive them with joy.

Mosiah 23

(All of my own thoughts are in red type 6/20yellow, green 2/14 Orange 6/22 Brown 6/23.)

An account of Alma and the people of the Lord, who were driven into the wilderness by the people of King Noah.

Comprising chapters 23 and 24.

Chapter 23

Alma refuses to be king—He serves as high priest—The Lord chastens His people, and the Lamanites conquer the land of Helam—Amulon, leader of King Noah’s wicked priests, rules subject to the Lamanite monarch. About 145–121 B.C.

  1 Now Alma, having been ^awarned of the Lord that the armies of king Noah would come upon them, and having made it known to his people, therefore they gathered together their flocks, and took of their grain, and ^bdeparted into the wilderness before the armies of king Noah. The pattern of the Lord taking the righteous away from the wicked is repeated again. Notice they took means to survive with them.
  2 And the Lord did strengthen them, that the people of king Noah could not overtake them to destroy them. Was this 'strength' that they could walk, or run faster? Go over a mountain/shortcut/through water? We must have faith that the Lord wouldn't warn us to flee if we weren't going to be successful in it.
  3 And they fled ^aeight days’ journey into the wilderness. Maybe the 'strength' was endurance. Did they go 8 days with no stopping/eating/sleeping?
  4 And they came to a land, yea, even a very beautiful and pleasant land, a land of pure water. A beautiful tangible blessing!
  5 And they pitched their tents, and began to till the ground, and began to build buildings; yea, they were ^aindustrious, and did labor exceedingly. They must have been confident that this was to be their new home and they would be safe, or have time to prepare to be safe... Let's say they traveled a miraculous 30 miles a day x 8 days = 240 miles away. That's about Springville to St. George. That's pretty far. I'd say they were safe from the Lamanites...
  6 And the people were desirous that Alma should be their ^aking, for he was beloved by his people.
  7 But he said unto them: Behold, it is not expedient that we should have a king; for thus saith the Lord: Ye shall ^anot esteem one flesh above another, or one man shall not think himself above another; therefore I say unto you it is not expedient that ye should have a king. This counsel is for both leaders and those they lead. Don't put others on a pedestal and don't think you are better than others if you are the leader. "Esteem" can just mean respect, and we do "respect" our prophet, but it says to not "esteem" them "above another". So you can respect his service and authority, but be careful to not think him "better" than others as in "higher and lower" value. 
  8 Nevertheless, if it ^awere possible that ye could always have just men to be your ^bkings it would be well for you to have a king.
  9 But remember the ^ainiquity of king Noah and his ^bpriests; and I myself was ^ccaught in a snare, and did many things which were abominable in the sight of the Lord, which caused me sore ^drepentance; We need to remember that the wicked are our brothers and sisters who are 'caught in a snare'. We can pray that they are set free. If WE are the ones caught in the snare, be prepared for "sore" repentance...notice that even though Alma said his sins were "abominable", through repentance he was made clean and became a righteous example and teacher to bless the lives of many. There is always hope!
 10 Nevertheless, ^aafter much ^btribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an ^cinstrument in his hands in bringing ^dso many of you to a knowledge of his truth. Do we have record of this "tribulation" that Alma went through to repent? I always forget that Alma the Elder probably prayed so mightily for his son expressly because he himself had been 'caught in this snare' and wanted the same mercy he had received for his son. It also gives strength to the hypothesis that if we rebelled in our youth, we may have a child that does the same;) Was this "tribulation" of his soul required for his full repentance? Do we know how to go through that "tribulation" for our sins? Clearly it involved much prayer, perhaps until he was given the answer that he was forgiven. 
 11 Nevertheless, in this I do not glory, for I am unworthy to glory of myself. This is meekness; humility
 12 And now I say unto you, ye have been ^aoppressed by king Noah, and have been in bondage to him and his priests, and have been ^bbrought into iniquity by them; therefore ye were bound with the ^cbands of iniquity. How was this manifest? By their adopting their teachings and traditions? Iniquity is different from sin because it has "generational" ties. It can be inherited lies or inherited dna and propensities. 
 13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the ^ahands of king Noah and his people, and also from the ^bbonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should ^cstand fast in this ^dliberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust ^eno man to be a king over you. Individual agency Do not trust in the arm of flesh.
 14 And also trust no one to be your ^ateacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments. No priestcraft. This is a tall order, considering how many people in our church are called to be a "teacher" and everyone is called to "minister". It doesn't say don't let them teach or minister, it just says not to "trust" them, unless you know they are striving to follow the Savior and keep his commandments. 
 15 Thus did Alma teach his people, that every man should ^alove his ^bneighbor ^cas himself, that there should be no ^dcontention among them. This is all the racial-sensitivity training that we need in the church. If people would just keep the commandments, you wouldn't have to focus on groups of people. Also worth noting that contention happens when the devil tempts someone to feel angry with the words or actions of another. This doesn't mean that people didn't lovingly correct one another, it just shows no one gave in to temptation to feel contention towards others. Contention is not created by words but by the response to words. The world and even in the church we "wrest" the scriptures to mean we shouldn't speak truth if it causes "contention"...like the truth is the cause. But it's not the truth...it's Satan stirring up the heart of the listener to "contend" in response. Doesn't mean we shouldn't speak truth. The counsel to not cause contention is really aimed at the listener not the speaker. We have it backwards! 
 16 And now, Alma was their ^ahigh priest, he being the founder of their church. Perhaps like we look at Joseph Smith
 17 And it came to pass that none received ^aauthority to preach or to teach except it were by him from God. Therefore he ^bconsecrated all their priests and all their teachers; and none were consecrated except they were just men.
 18 Therefore they did watch over their people, and did ^anourish them with things pertaining to righteousness. I think our ministering needs to be much more spiritual than it is. We should make it more culturally accepted that this is the most important part of ministering and that it's expected and okay that we talk about the gospel with one another...
 19 And it came to pass that they began to prosper exceedingly in the land; and they called the land ^aHelam. 
 20 And it came to pass that they did multiply and prosper exceedingly in the land of Helam; and they built a city, which they called the city of Helam. Proof they were in the "right way" and keeping the commandments.
 21 Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to ^achasten his people; yea, he trieth their ^bpatience and their faith. So on the one hand, the Lord was blessing them for their righteousness and obedience. Still, He chose to "try their patience and faith". If we want to ascend the spiritual ladder, we should expect the same...
 22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his ^atrust in him the same shall be ^blifted up at the last day. Yea, and thus it was with this people. Here's the lesson. Trust in the Lord in prosperity and in affliction. 
 23 For behold, I will show unto you that they were brought into ^abondage, and none could deliver them but the Lord their God, yea, even the God of Abraham and Isaac and of Jacob. Notice the trial required faith. There was no deliverance by one's own cunning or strength. Only the Lord could do it. 
 24 And it came to pass that he did deliver them, and he did show forth his mighty power unto them, and great were their rejoicings.
 25 For behold, it came to pass that while they were in the land of Helam, yea, in the city of Helam, while tilling the land round about, behold an army of the Lamanites was in the borders of the land.
 26 Now it came to pass that the brethren of Alma fled from their fields, and gathered themselves together in the city of Helam; and they were much frightened because of the appearance of the Lamanites.
 27 But Alma went forth and stood among them, and exhorted them that they should not be frightened, but that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them. Alma immediately turned them to faith in the Lord. 
 28 Therefore they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites, that they would spare them, and their wives, and their children. I love the expression “they hushed their fears” ... we can influence our emotions. 
 29 And it came to pass that the Lord did soften the hearts of the Lamanites. And Alma and his brethren went forth and delivered themselves up into their hands; and the Lamanites took possession of the land of Helam. So, if I read this correctly...the people of Alma were very righteous and obedient. God then decides to chasten them and to try their patience and faith. Was this a test? Were they beginning to forget the Lord? Was there some pride creeping in? Alma tells them to not be afraid; that the Lord would deliver them. At first I would think that meant he was saying the Lord would help them win the battle. But perhaps they had no weapons. Remember they were delivered the first time by fleeing. Did they know that Alma was saying, "We're going to give ourselves up to them so there is no loss of life, but don't worry, God will deliver us.
 30 Now the ^aarmies of the Lamanites, which had followed after the people of king Limhi, had been lost in the wilderness for many days.
 31 And behold, they had found those priests of king Noah, in a place which they called ^aAmulon; and they had begun to possess the land of Amulon and had begun to till the ground.
 32 Now the name of the leader of those priests was ^aAmulon.
 33 And it came to pass that Amulon did plead with the Lamanites; and he also sent forth their wives, who were the ^adaughters of the Lamanites, to plead with their brethren, that they should not destroy their husbands. Now there is a backstory to these women. How did they go from being kidnapped and forced into relationships with these wicked men, come to accept their lot and make the best of it? to the point that they plead for "their husbands"???
 34 And the Lamanites had ^acompassion on Amulon and his brethren, and did not destroy them, because of their wives. There is something about this generation of women. The daughters who had not been taken captive were put forth before the Lamanites to soften their hearts because of their beauty. These women were sisters and friends to those daughters. Something about them caused the hearts of the Lamanites to soften. Were they ALL beautiful? Or did they have beautiful hearts and countenances? What was it? 
 35 And ^aAmulon and his brethren did join the Lamanites, and they were traveling in the wilderness in search of the land of Nephi This is the land that King Noah was over and that Alma left from and where the priests who stole the daughters of the Lamanites were from when they discovered the land of Helam, which was possessed by Alma and his brethren. They were not on a war mission...so not so hard to be softened. And they had just previously had their hearts softened to not slay the priests. God truly does prepare the way before us.
 36 And it came to pass that the Lamanites promised unto Alma and his brethren, that if they would show them the ^away which led to the land of Nephi that they would grant unto them their lives and their liberty. This sounds like they are being given a miracle! No captivity?
 37 But after Alma had shown them the way that led to the land of Nephi the Lamanites would not keep their promise; but they set ^aguards round about the land of Helam, over Alma and his brethren. No miracle... Maybe they weren't 240 miles apart. Maybe it was more like 120 (15 miles/day x 8 days)
 38 And the remainder of them went to the land of Nephi; and a part of them returned to the land of Helam, and also brought with them the wives and the children of the guards who had been left in the land. They were going to be there for awhile. Kind of shows the importance of families to these men/people?
 39 And the king of the Lamanites had granted unto Amulon that he should be a king and a ruler over his people, who were in the land of Helam; nevertheless he should have no power to do anything contrary to the will of the king of the Lamanites. Ok, not such a bad form of bondage, considering all the alternatives.