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Apr 3010 min read

“A Mighty Change”

CFM: April 29–May 5





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The Book of Mormon: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue


In this Week's Lesson


King Benjamin’s address to his people, as recorded in the Book of Mosiah, stands out as a pivotal moment in the Nephite narrative, deeply resonating with a diverse and complex audience. This gathering, which drew descendants of Nephi, followers of Mosiah from the land of Nephi, and descendants of Mulek, encapsulated a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds and experiences. These included those who had preserved their language and scriptural records, alongside others who had lost significant aspects of their cultural identity and genealogical roots.


Community Composition and Current State

The community before King Benjamin was multifaceted and disjointed, they included the:


  • Descendants of Nephi retained a robust connection to their past through continuous adherence to scriptural teachings and prophetic guidance.

  • Followers of Mosiah had experienced migration and resettlement, carrying memories of conflict and displacement that necessitated a fresh start in Zarahemla.

  • Descendants of Mulek lacked written records and had seen their original Hebrew language and customs fade over generations, leaving them somewhat disconnected from their ancient traditions.


These groups had faced brutal wars, significant displacements, and grueling economic hardships, shaping a society that was both resilient and in need of spiritual rejuvenation and unity.


King Benjamin’s Address: A Call for Renewal


King Benjamin’s speech was perfectly timed to meet the needs of this varied populace. His words served as a catalyst for spiritual renewal and cultural reintegration by:


  • Reconnecting with Cultural and Spiritual Roots: Emphasizing teachings from the brass plates and prophesying about Christ, King Benjamin helped revitalize a sense of shared heritage and divine promise.

  • Promoting Unity and Community Support: His urging towards service, mutual support, and obedience to divine laws offered a blueprint for a harmonious communal life, crucial for a society grappling with integration and identity issues.

  • Encouraging Literacy and Education: Highlighting the importance of understanding their scriptural heritage, he promoted literacy as essential for both cultural continuity and individual spiritual growth.

  • Providing Moral and Ethical Guidance: Addressing social inequalities and ethical lapses, his directives on fairness and charity aimed to realign the community with foundational moral principles.

  • Restoring Communal Identity and Tradition through Covenantal Bonds: King Benjamin’s address is a pivotal moment in the Book of Mormon, serving not only as a spiritual call to action but also as a restoration of the Nephites' covenantal relationship with God. This restoration is intricately linked to their observance of the Law of Moses, particularly through practices akin to the pilgrimage feasts prescribed in the Torah.


The Law of Moses and Pilgrimage Feasts


According to the Law of Moses, Israelites were required to gather for pilgrimage feasts three times a year—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. These feasts were central to the Israelite religious calendar and served as key times for communal worship and renewal of covenantal commitments. During the fall festival of Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, Israelites would live in temporary shelters (sukkahs) to commemorate their ancestors' wilderness journey and dependence on God. They would construct a bimah, or podium from which the Torah would be read and elaborated on by their religious leaders. This festival was not only a time of remembrance but also of joyous celebration of their relationship with God and His provisions. (Maya Harvest Festivals and the Book of Mormon: Annual FARMS Lecture)


King Benjamin’s Address and Sukkot


King Benjamin’s address exhibits striking parallels to the Feast of Sukkot:

  • Gathering of the People: Just as the Israelites gathered in Jerusalem, King Benjamin’s people gathered at the temple in Zarahemla. This assembly was a physical manifestation of their unity and collective commitment to God.

  • Turning Tents Towards the Temple: Mimicking the sukkahs facing the Holy of Holies in the Temple in Jerusalem, the Nephites’ tents were pitched facing the temple, symbolizing their directed focus towards God and His commandments.

  • Spiritual Renewal: The address provided a time for the Nephites to renew their spiritual commitments, akin to the renewal of covenantal vows that occurred during Sukkot.


Cultural and Religious Significance


For many in King Benjamin’s audience, particularly descendants of Mulek who might have lost touch with detailed observances of the Law of Moses, this event would have served as both a cultural and religious restoration. By reinstating these communal practices, King Benjamin was not just aligning his people with the traditions of their forefathers but was also deepening their understanding of their covenant with God.


Unity Through Covenantal Renewal


King Benjamin’s efforts went beyond mere observance of tradition; they were a deliberate act to unify a diverse people. By invoking the imagery and practices associated with the Law of Moses, he provided his people—a blend of Nephite and Mulekite descendants—with a shared framework for understanding their identity as God’s covenant people. His address reestablished their status as children of God and heirs to His kingdom, which was particularly poignant for those who may not have fully understood or practiced these traditions due to various historical disruptions.


Scholarly Connections


Many Jewish and Latter-day Saint scholars have noted the connection between King Benjamin’s gathering and the ancient Jewish tradition of Sukkot. This connection underscores the profound layers of meaning in King Benjamin's address, highlighting its role in reorienting the Nephites towards their covenantal heritage and the observances that reinforced their identity and mission as a chosen people.


The Impact of King Benjamin’s Words


The profound impact of King Benjamin’s address is evidenced by the immediate and enthusiastic response from his people, who collectively covenanted to follow Christ and live according to the principles outlined in his speech. This moment of covenant-making not only marked a spiritual commitment but also signified a communal commitment to a renewed way of life that embraced both ancient traditions and current realities.


In essence, King Benjamin’s oration did more than guide his people spiritually; it was a clarion call that awakened a renaissance of cultural, ethical, scholastic, and communal identity. It provided the framework for a society that sought to harmonize its diverse elements into a cohesive whole, firmly rooted in spiritual convictions and guided by a renewed understanding of its past. This historic gathering and the subsequent covenant not only fortified the Nephites spiritually and socially but also set a precedent for future generations, underscoring the enduring power of unity and faith in overcoming adversity.




Review from last Week:


Last week, the Deseret Post Published an article about a sacred experience shared by some of our Latter-Day Saint and Jewish friends in the Taylorsville Temple; if you have not already done so, it is worth checking out: Jewish, Latter-day Saint friends found themselves singing together in the Taylorsville Utah Temple


In addition, here is the link to the interview that I mentioned in class with the Jewish Rabbi who shared his powerful insights about Jacob 5.



For more information about how our Jewish brothers and sisters interpret scripture, check out the lesson materials provided in "The Lord Labors with Us."


Powerpoint from last week's Sunday School Lesson:


Background information for navigating the historical context and chronology:






 

Overview


Mosiah 4


In Mosiah 4, King Benjamin extends upon his previous discourse, building on the powerful spiritual awakening sparked by his earlier sermon on the Atonement and the natural man. This chapter explores the principles of gospel living, addressing his people who are now open and humble to receive his message, having experienced the transformative power of God's forgiveness through undergoing a "mighty change of heart." Benjamin emphasizes the critical need to retain this state of forgiveness through continuous obedience and diligent service to others—particularly the needy—through an ongoing, conscious reliance on God.


King Benjamin not only delivers theological and ethical guidance but also contextualizes the Nephite spiritual journey within the broad tapestry of scriptural history and ancient traditions. His sermon marks a crucial moment of communal covenant-making practices, reminiscent of Temple ordinances, past and present. These spiritually meaningful traditions are reflective of the structured traditions associated with the Jewish festival of Sukkot, as it was observed by the Israelites according to the Law of Moses. This alignment with ancient Jewish observances root the Nephites in traditions that spans generations and geographic boundaries, highlighting the continuity and depth of their faith and their continued observance and commitment to ancient covenants.


Mosiah 4 encourages modern readers to consider their own spiritual commitments and community responsibilities seriously, promoting a holistic approach to living the gospel through a sacred covenantal relationship with God. This chapter underscores the importance of integrating daily acts of service and humility with a deep, abiding faith in Christ, fostering a comprehensive framework for personal and communal religious life.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Mosiah 4:1-4: The People's Humble Response

1-3: Following King Benjamin’s teachings about the Atonement of Christ and the natural man, the people of Zarahemla experience a profound spiritual conversion. They fall to the earth, overwhelmed by the realization of their own nothingness and the goodness of God.

  • Spiritual Awakening: Highlights the profound impact of King Benjamin’s words, leading to a collective recognition of spiritual inadequacies and a desire for divine grace.

  • Humility and Repentance: Illustrates the immediate effect of true humility and sincere repentance, which are pivotal for receiving God’s mercy.

4: Their hearts are changed through the power of the Holy Spirit, and they cry out, expressing their faith in Christ and a willingness to apply His teachings, receiving forgiveness of their sins.

  • Conversion and Forgiveness: Showcases the transformative power of faith in Christ and the Holy Spirit’s role in converting the human heart.

Verses 5-16: King Benjamin’s Instructions on Righteous Living


5-8: King Benjamin continues his address by instructing the people on maintaining their cleansed state. He emphasizes regular prayer and steadfastness in faith to retain a remission of their sins.

  • Spiritual Maintenance: Advises on the continual practices—such as prayer and steadfast faith—that are necessary to sustain spiritual health and purity.

  • Accountability to God: Reminds them of their ongoing duty to remain true to the commandments of God.

9-10: He teaches them about the omnipotence of God and encourages them to impart of their substance to the poor, emphasizing that they should not withhold their riches even from those who have brought misfortune upon themselves.

  • Charity and Compassion: Stresses the importance of charity, linking it directly to the recognition of God’s mercies to them.

  • Non-judgmental Assistance: Encourages helping others without judgment, reflecting true Christlike love and compassion.

11-16: Continues with practical guidance on how to live a Christ-centered life, focusing on equality, service, and humility. He warns against the sin of pride and teaches them to impart of their means to the poor, keeping all the commandments.

  • Holistic Righteousness: Covers a broad spectrum of behaviors and attitudes necessary for a righteous life, including humility, service, and equitable treatment of all.

  • Guarding Against Sin: Warns against common pitfalls such as pride and judgment, which can lead individuals away from the path of righteousness.

Verses 17-30: Teachings on Social Equality and Judgment


17-19: King Benjamin emphasizes that giving to the poor is lending to the Lord and that being stingy, while one claims to follow God, is contradictory.

  • Ethics of Generosity: Positions charitable giving as a fundamental aspect of religious life, implying that how one treats the less fortunate reflects their reverence for God.

  • Consistency in Faith and Actions: Challenges them to align their actions with their professed beliefs, particularly in terms of generosity and compassion.

20-26: He encourages his people to always remember the greatness of God and their own nothingness, which should motivate them to humility and diligent service to God and fellow beings.

  • Humility and Divine Awareness: Encourages a perpetual consciousness of God’s greatness and human limitation as the basis for humble living.

  • Motivation for Service: Links an awareness of divine grace to active and humble service to others, fostering a community of care and mutual respect.

27-30: Concludes by admonishing the people to trust in God, be wise in their service, and not run faster than they have strength. He encourages diligence in keeping the commandments with the promise that they will be blessed.

  • Balanced Living: Advises on maintaining a balance in spiritual and temporal efforts, advocating for wisdom in how they execute their duties.

  • Promise of Divine Assistance: Reassures them of God’s support and blessings in their endeavors to live righteously.

Overview

Mosiah 5

Mosiah 5 marks a pivotal moment in King Benjamin's address, capturing the covenant-making instance where his people collectively commit to follow Christ and take upon themselves His name. This chapter highlights the transformative power of true repentance and the profound change of heart that accompanies genuine spiritual commitment. It emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance and steadfastness in maintaining one's covenant with God. King Benjamin’s counsel underscores the need for continuous commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, stressing the necessity of maintaining spiritual integrity through daily practice and communal support. As Mosiah 5 concludes King Benjamin's discourse, it serves as a powerful example of communal renewal and transformation. This chapter resonates with modern readers, reminding them of the significance of daily commitment to Christian principles and how a community can collectively live in harmony with God's will.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Mosiah 5


Verses 1-8: Covenant and Spiritual Transformation


1-5: The people of Zarahemla gather at the temple to hear King Benjamin speak. They set up tents around the temple, positioning them to face the temple where King Benjamin would deliver his address from a tower.

  • Community Gathering: Illustrates the unity and orderliness of the people in preparation for receiving important spiritual teachings.

  • Importance of the Setting: The temple setting emphasizes the sacredness of the occasion, linking the gathering to religious devotion and communal worship.

6-8: King Benjamin begins his address by emphasizing his service to the people and his desire not to burden them but to serve them righteously. He expresses his humility and sets an example of selfless leadership.

  • Model of Leadership: King Benjamin presents himself as a servant leader, highlighting the principles of service and humility in governance.

  • Spiritual and Civic Responsibility: His approach underscores the connection between spiritual values and civic duties, emphasizing accountability and service without seeking personal gain.

Verses 9-15: Taking Upon the Name of Christ


9-12: King Benjamin continues to instruct the people about the significance of taking upon themselves the name of Christ. He teaches that this commitment will be recognized at the judgment day and that they must remain steadfast to be found on the right hand of God.

  • Identity in Christ: Discusses the deep implications of accepting and bearing Christ’s name in daily life and at the final judgment.

  • Enduring to the End: Emphasizes the need for continual faithfulness to ensure salvation.

13-15: He cautions them against spiritual complacency, urging them to watch themselves continually, to pray daily, and to keep steadfast in the faith lest they fall into transgression.

  • Vigilance in Faith: Calls for constant vigilance, regular prayer, and enduring faithfulness as essential practices for maintaining their covenant relationship with God.

  • Risk of Apostasy: Warns of the dangers of apostasy and the personal and communal perils it poses.


Overview

Mosiah 6

Mosiah 6, though brief, provides valuable insights into the administrative and leadership practices that underpin a stable and righteous community. By documenting the transition from King Benjamin to Mosiah II, the chapter serves as a testament to the effectiveness of orderly governance and the enduring impact of a leader’s spiritual and moral legacy. This narrative invites modern readers to reflect on their roles within their respective communities and the importance of their contributions to collective memory and continuity.


References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:


  • The Importance of Record-Keeping: Mosiah 6 underscores the role of meticulous record-keeping in maintaining the legal and spiritual integrity of the community.

  • Seamless Leadership Succession: The chapter highlights the seamless transition of authority, which is crucial for maintaining order and stability within the community.

  • Legacy and Influence of Leadership: Through the example of King Benjamin and Mosiah II, the text illustrates how the legacy of one leader can profoundly influence the governance and spiritual direction of the next.

  • Valuing Organizational Continuity: Encourages modern readers to appreciate and implement structured transitions in leadership roles, whether in religious, community, or professional settings.

  • The Role of Legacy: Inspires individuals to consider the long-term impact of their leadership and the importance of setting a righteous example for successors and followers.

  • Documentation and Accountability: Highlights the importance of maintaining records not only for administrative purposes but also for preserving the heritage and covenants of a community.

  • Literary and Linguistic Patterns of Significance:


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Mosiah 6


Verses 1-3: King Benjamin’s Record-Keeping


1: Following the spiritual revival and covenant-making event, King Benjamin takes a census of all those who entered into the covenant to follow Christ, ensuring that their names and commitments are recorded.

  • Record-Keeping: Highlights the importance of documenting covenant participants, which serves as a formal acknowledgment of their commitment and aids in community organization.

2: This record is preserved, indicating the emphasis on maintaining a continuous historical and spiritual account of the people, which is crucial for future generations.

  • Preservation of Records: Stresses the role of written records in preserving the continuity of religious and community life.


Verses 4-7: Leadership Transition and King Benjamin’s Death


4-5: King Benjamin appoints his son Mosiah II as his successor, formally passing on the kingship. Mosiah II begins his reign, characterized by righteousness and adherence to the teachings his father imparted.

  • Leadership Transition: Demonstrates an orderly transition of power, which ensures stability and continuity in governance.

  • Legacy of Righteous Leadership: Highlights the influence of King Benjamin’s teachings on Mosiah II, indicating the impact of a righteous example set by leaders.

6-7: At the end of his days, King Benjamin dies and is buried, marking the end of an era. His reign and death are noted for the peace and righteousness that he maintained during his leadership.

  • Conclusion of an Era: Reflects on the peaceful and prosperous reign of King Benjamin, serving as a model of godly leadership.

  • Community Stability: The peaceful circumstances around his death suggest the effectiveness of his leadership and the stability of the political and spiritual structures he upheld.


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