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The Book of Mormon: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue


Still working on several projects, so I will not be able to add any additional commentary this week but there is plenty in the attached links to keep one busy. Happy Studies!


Additional Resources:

 

Overview


Helaman 13

Helaman 13 provides a powerful lesson on the dangers of pride, materialism, and rejecting divine counsel. Samuel the Lamanite’s courageous warnings to the Nephites emphasize the need for repentance and humility before God. The chapter teaches that relying on wealth and rejecting the prophets leads to spiritual and temporal destruction, while repentance brings salvation and the blessings of God.


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

  • Pride and Wickedness: Samuel the Lamanite warns the Nephites about their pride, particularly their obsession with wealth, which blinds them to the need for repentance. The chapter teaches that pride leads to downfall, as people place trust in their own strength and riches rather than in God.

  • Judgment and Destruction: Samuel prophesies that if the Nephites do not repent, they will face the same fate as other wicked nations — complete destruction. He emphasizes that God's justice is inescapable for the unrepentant.

  • The Curse of "Slippery" Treasures: One of the most vivid symbols in this chapter is that of "slippery" treasures. In Hebrew, this word is חֲלַקְלַקָּה chălaqlaqqâh. Samuel explains that the Nephites’ wealth will disappear as a result of their greed and wickedness. This illustrates the idea that material possessions are fleeting and unreliable in the face of God’s judgments.

  • The Futility of Trusting in Wealth: Samuel repeatedly warns that the Nephites’ trust in wealth and material possessions will lead to their downfall. The prophecy of “slippery” treasures symbolizes the fleeting nature of worldly riches, which cannot offer protection in times of divine judgment. This theme serves as a warning against placing one's heart in material things over spiritual matters.

  • Rejection of the Prophets: The Nephites’ refusal to listen to the prophets is a recurring theme. Samuel condemns their rejection of those who speak hard truths in favor of false prophets who flatter and comfort them.

  • Call to Repentance: Like many prophetic calls in scripture, Samuel’s message focuses on repentance. He pleads with the people to turn from their wickedness and return to God, emphasizing that it is never too late to repent but that the time to act is now. He warns that once the judgments begin, it may be too late.

  • Treasures and Curses: In ancient Hebrew culture, material wealth was often seen as a sign of God's blessing, but it could also become a source of pride and idolatry. The concept of "slippery" treasures echoes the biblical idea that wealth can be a stumbling block to righteousness. In Deuteronomy 8:17-18, God warns Israel against thinking that their wealth is earned by their own power, rather than a gift from Him.

  • The Role of Prophets and Prophetic Tradition: Samuel’s experience of being rejected by the Nephites mirrors the experiences of many biblical prophets. Prophets like Jeremiah, Isaiah, and Ezekiel were often rejected by the people because they delivered unpopular messages of warning and consequence rather than comfort. This cultural pattern reflects the human tendency to resist correction and favor messages of prosperity and peace.

  • Signs and Unbelief: In ancient Jewish and Near Eastern cultures, signs and wonders were often seen as evidence of divine authority (sign, season). However, as Samuel notes, even when signs were given, many people still hardened their hearts. This is a theme found throughout the Bible, particularly in the ministry of Jesus, where many people demanded signs yet still refused to believe when those signs were provided (see Matthew 12:38-39). Samuel’s warning aligns with the broader biblical teaching that true faith does not depend on signs but on trust in God’s word.

  • Hardened Hearts: The concept of a "hardened heart" appears frequently in scripture to describe those who resist divine instruction. In Hebrew, the word qāšāh (קָשָׁה) means "to harden" or "to make stubborn." In the Old Testament, Pharaoh’s heart is repeatedly described as hardened during the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-11), signifying his refusal to submit to God’s will. In Helaman 13, the Nephites’ hearts are similarly hardened, preventing them from accepting the prophetic call to repentance.

  • Cultural Insights:

  • Literary and Linguistic Observations

  • The Symbolism of Being “Cut Off”: Samuel’s warning that the wicked will be “cut off” from the presence of God has deep theological significance. In ancient Israelite culture, being cut off from the community or from God was the most severe form of punishment, signifying both physical and spiritual separation. In Samuel’s prophecy, being cut off represents spiritual death — a state of being eternally separated from God’s presence and blessings.

  • The Symbolism of Walls: Samuel’s act of preaching from the city wall is symbolic of his position as an outsider. In many ancient cultures, city walls represented protection and separation from external threats. By standing on the wall, Samuel signifies his role as both a literal and spiritual outsider, calling out the sins of the people while being rejected by them.

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Helaman 13

Samuel the Lamanite Prophesies of the Coming of Jesus Christ

Verses 1-5: Samuel Sent to Preach to Zarahemla

What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Prophets?

  • Verse 1: Samuel the Lamanite is commanded by the Lord to go to Zarahemla and preach repentance to the Nephites, a sign of God’s mercy and willingness to offer them a chance to repent despite their wickedness.

  • Verse 2: After being rejected by the Nephites and driven out of the city, Samuel prepares to return to his homeland but is commanded by the Lord to return and prophesy.

  • Verse 3: Samuel, showing great courage and obedience, climbs onto the city wall after being barred from entering the city and begins to preach to the people.

  • Verse 4: His message is one of repentance, warning the people that their iniquities will bring the judgments of God upon them unless they turn from their wickedness.

  • Verse 5: Samuel specifically warns Zarahemla that it will be destroyed if the people do not repent, foretelling of divine retribution for their sins.

How Can People Today Avoid Being Destroyed Like the Nephites Were?

Verses 6-10: The Nephites’ Wickedness and Pride

Hand Gestures (Mesoamerica)

  • Verse 6: Samuel declares that the Lord has been merciful to the Nephites by sending prophets and giving them opportunities to repent, yet they have rejected these warnings.

  • Verse 7: He reveals that the people are guilty of great sins, including pride and wickedness, which will lead to their downfall.

  • Verse 8: Samuel warns that if the people do not repent, their riches and treasures will be cursed and will become "slippery" — meaning they will vanish and be of no use to them.

  • Verse 9: The people’s hearts have become set upon their riches and wealth, which blinds them to the need for repentance and causes them to reject the teachings of the prophets.

  • Verse 10: Samuel prophesies that unless the people repent, they will be destroyed, along with their city.



Verses 11-16: Judgments Upon the Nephites


  • Verse 11: Samuel emphasizes that the Lord would prefer the people to repent and be spared, but because of their hardened hearts, destruction is inevitable if they continue in their wickedness.

  • Verse 12: The people of Zarahemla are compared to other wicked nations that have been destroyed by the Lord in the past, suggesting that they too will face a similar fate if they do not change.

  • Verse 13: Samuel outlines specific judgments that will come upon them: their cities will be destroyed, their treasures will disappear, and their lands will be cursed.

  • Verse 14: He points out that the righteous are often preserved, and the wicked are destroyed, following the justice of God.

  • Verse 15: The treasures of the wicked will be removed, emphasizing that worldly wealth offers no protection or lasting security.

  • Verse 16: Samuel further explains that the "slippery" nature of their treasures is a sign of divine judgment, warning that the people's material possessions will not save them.


Verses 17-23: The "Slippery" Treasures

Why Did Samuel Say the Wealth of Some Nephites Would Become “Slippery”?

  • Verse 17: Samuel prophesies that because of their greed and iniquities, the Nephites' treasures will vanish as a consequence of their sin.

  • Verse 18: The riches they so highly value will "become slippery" — they will be unable to find them, even though they have hidden them securely.

  • Verse 19: Samuel warns that this disappearance of wealth is a curse from God, designed to show them that material riches are fleeting and insignificant compared to the riches of eternity.

  • Verse 20: He proclaims that those who set their hearts on riches and worldly wealth will find themselves cursed, while those who trust in the Lord will be blessed.

  • Verse 21: The people have rejected the prophets, and their hearts have become hardened because of their wealth, which will be taken from them as a consequence of their pride.

  • Verse 22: Samuel laments that the people no longer listen to the voice of the prophets, preferring instead to place their trust in material wealth and worldly success.

  • Verse 23: The rejection of the prophets is a sign of deep spiritual decay, and Samuel emphasizes that the Nephites’ downfall is directly tied to their disregard for God’s messengers.


Verses 24-31: The Prophets Rejected and the Lord's Justice

How Are Samuel the Lamanite and the Biblical Prophet Samuel Similar?

  • Verse 24: Samuel expresses sorrow that the people only listen to those who flatter them or tell them what they want to hear, ignoring the prophets who bring warnings from God.

  • Verse 25: He highlights the hypocrisy of the Nephites, who claim to support the ancient prophets but reject the living ones sent by the Lord.

  • Verse 26: The people accuse the prophets of being false and often seek their destruction, preferring instead to follow leaders who promote ease and comfort.

  • Verse 27: Samuel condemns this pattern, noting that it leads to destruction, as the people turn away from the truth and embrace falsehood.

  • Verse 28: He warns that those who refuse to repent and continue in sin will face God's justice, and their works will be judged accordingly.

  • Verse 29: The Nephites have become spiritually blind, and Samuel pleads with them to recognize their need for repentance before it is too late.

  • Verse 30: He stresses that those who repent will be saved, while those who harden their hearts will be cut off from the Lord’s blessings.

  • Verse 31: Samuel concludes by reminding the people that the judgments of God are sure and just, and that they must act now to avoid the inevitable destruction that comes from disobedience.


Verses 32-33: The Certainty of God's Judgments


  • Verse 32: Samuel warns the people that the time of their destruction is near if they do not repent. He emphasizes that the judgments of God are sure, and that the Nephites must not delay their repentance, as the time will come when it will be too late.

  • Verse 33: He tells them that when destruction comes, they will wish they had repented and will mourn over their failure to listen to the prophets. In their sorrow, they will realize that they had been warned but did not heed those warnings.


Verses 34-35: The Rejection of Signs and Prophets


  • Verse 34: Samuel condemns the people for their attitude toward the prophets. He highlights that the people often demand signs to prove the truth of the prophets’ words, but even when signs are given, they harden their hearts and refuse to believe.

  • Verse 35: He points out that the people are quick to dismiss the prophets who speak uncomfortable truths, preferring instead to follow those who flatter and tell them what they want to hear. This rejection of divine messengers will result in their destruction.


Verses 36-39: Final Call to Repentance and the Fate of the Wicked

It Is Too Late

  • Verse 36: Samuel concludes with a final call to repentance, urging the people to turn to the Lord before it is too late. He reminds them that if they continue in their wickedness, they will face the consequences of their actions.

  • Verse 37: He laments that the people have hardened their hearts and become focused on material wealth, which will ultimately be lost. Samuel underscores the futility of trusting in riches when divine judgments are imminent.

  • Verse 38: Samuel warns that those who continue in their pride and wickedness will face eternal consequences. They will be "cut off" from the presence of God, meaning that they will be denied the blessings of salvation and eternal life if they do not repent.

  • Verse 39: He concludes with a plea for the people to repent and avoid the destruction that awaits the wicked. Samuel emphasizes that it is only through repentance and humility that they can be spared from the judgments of God and find peace in His presence.



Overview


Helaman 14

Helaman 14 contains Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecy about the coming of Jesus Christ. He foretells specific signs that will mark both the Savior’s birth and His death. Samuel warns the Nephites that Christ will soon come into the world, and he pleads with them to repent and prepare for His arrival. He describes heavenly signs that will accompany Christ’s birth, including a new star and a day and a night without darkness. He also prophesies about the signs of Christ’s death, including three days of darkness, natural disasters, and the resurrection of the dead. Samuel calls on the people to turn to Christ and be saved, warning them that if they do not repent, they will face destruction.


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

  • Signs of Christ’s Birth and Death: One of the primary themes in this chapter is the prophecy of the signs that will accompany both the birth and death of Jesus Christ. Samuel details miraculous signs — such as a day and a night without darkness, a new star, three days of darkness, and natural disasters — all of which testify of the Savior’s mission and divinity.

  • The Call to Repentance: Samuel’s message is urgent and clear: the people must repent in order to be saved. He calls them to prepare for the coming of the Savior and to abandon their sins before it is too late. The repeated call to repentance emphasizes the importance of turning to God and accepting Christ’s atonement for salvation.

  • The Consequences of Rejecting Christ: Samuel warns that those who reject Christ and refuse to repent will face destruction. The chapter outlines both temporal destruction (natural disasters) and eternal consequences (spiritual separation from God) for those who do not heed the call to repentance.

  • Christ’s Atonement and Resurrection: Samuel emphasizes the central role of Christ’s atonement and resurrection in God’s plan of salvation. He explains that Christ will die and be resurrected to bring salvation to all mankind, and that His sacrifice will offer resurrection and eternal life to all who believe and follow Him.

  • Judgment and Accountability: Samuel stresses that each person will be judged according to their choices. The chapter underscores the principle of individual accountability: those who repent will be saved, while those who persist in sin will be condemned. Samuel’s prophecy makes it clear that no one will be able to say they were not warned.

  • The Significance of Heavenly Signs: In many ancient cultures, signs in the heavens (such as new stars, eclipses, and other celestial events) were interpreted as omens or signs from the gods. Samuel’s prophecy of a new star and a day without darkness fits into this tradition, but here these signs are given a specific and sacred purpose: to testify of the birth of the Savior.

  • Three Days of Darkness: The three days of darkness prophesied to accompany Christ’s death carry deep symbolic meaning. In the ancient world, darkness often symbolized death, mourning, and divine judgment. This period of darkness, which will cover the land after Christ’s crucifixion, serves as a powerful symbol of His death and the sorrow that accompanies the rejection of His divine mission.

  • Resurrection of the Dead: Samuel’s prophecy that the dead will rise and appear to the living following Christ’s resurrection is a remarkable event, similar to the account found in Matthew 27:52-53, where saints are resurrected after Christ’s crucifixion. This act signifies the victory of Christ over death and serves as a testimony to the power of the resurrection.

  • Earthquakes and Natural Disasters: Samuel’s description of the natural disasters that will accompany Christ’s death — earthquakes, the upheaval of mountains and valleys, and the destruction of cities — mirrors ancient beliefs about the earth’s reaction to divine events. These disasters emphasize the magnitude of Christ’s mission and the profound impact of His death on all of creation.

  • Literary & Linguistic Observations:

  • Cultural Insights:

  • A Pattern for the Second Coming:


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Helaman 14


Verses 1-7: Signs of Christ’s Birth

Why did Samuel Rely So Heavily on the Words of Past Prophets?

  • Verse 1: Samuel the Lamanite prophesies to the people of Zarahemla about the signs that will announce the birth of Jesus Christ.

  • Verse 2: He declares that in five years, Christ will be born and that a great sign will be given to indicate His coming into the world.

  • Verse 3: Samuel tells of a miraculous sign: there will be a day, a night, and a day without darkness, meaning that the night will not darken, and it will appear as if it were day.

  • Verse 4: This sign is given so that the people might believe in the coming of the Son of God, as it will be a visible, undeniable event.

  • Verse 5: Another sign of Christ’s birth will be a new star, and many other wonders will be seen in the heavens.

  • Verse 6: Samuel emphasizes that these signs are given to confirm the words of the prophets and to provide the people with a clear witness of the Savior’s birth.

  • Verse 7: Samuel urges the people to believe in these signs and repent, for the time of Christ’s coming is near.

Why Did Samuel Make Such Chronologically Precise Prophecies?

Verses 8-13: Call to Repentance


  • Verse 8: Samuel calls the people to repentance, urging them to believe in Christ and accept the gospel so they can be saved.

  • Verse 9: He explains that all those who believe in Christ and repent will receive eternal life, but those who do not will face destruction.

  • Verse 10: Samuel emphasizes that the reason for the people’s destruction will be their unwillingness to repent and their rejection of Christ’s teachings.

  • Verse 11: He warns that the people are rejecting salvation through Christ and that their pride and hard-heartedness will lead to their downfall.

  • Verse 12: Samuel implores the people to prepare for the coming of the Lord and to believe in the signs that will be given, so they will not perish in their sins.

  • Verse 13: He further emphasizes the importance of repentance, stating that the time to act is now, before the coming of the Savior.


Verses 14-19: Signs of Christ’s Death


  • Verse 14: Samuel shifts his focus to the signs that will accompany Christ’s death, warning the people of the catastrophic events that will occur.

  • Verse 15: He declares that when Christ dies, there will be three days of complete darkness over the land, symbolizing His death and the great sorrow it will bring.

  • Verse 16: Samuel explains that Christ will die to redeem mankind from their sins, providing the way for all to be resurrected and judged according to their works.

  • Verse 17: He emphasizes the importance of the resurrection, noting that Christ’s death and resurrection will bring life to all, both the righteous and the wicked.

  • Verse 18: Samuel warns that those who do not repent will face eternal condemnation, as their rejection of Christ will lead to their separation from God’s presence.

  • Verse 19: He concludes this section by emphasizing that the Savior’s mission is to bring salvation to all who will repent and follow Him.


Verses 20-27: The Signs and Wonders of Christ’s Death

How Does the Book of Mormon Help Date Christ’s Death?

  • Verse 20: Samuel elaborates on the specific signs of Christ’s death, warning of earthquakes, thunderings, lightnings, and great upheavals in the earth.

  • Verse 21: He describes how the earth will tremble violently, causing mountains to fall, valleys to rise, and other dramatic changes in the landscape.

  • Verse 22: Samuel warns of the destruction that will come upon cities, with some cities being buried in the earth, others being consumed by fire, and yet others being covered by mountains.

  • Verse 23: The waters of the ocean will also rise up in commotion, and great whirlwinds will destroy many areas of the land.

  • Verse 24: Samuel emphasizes that these great and terrible events will be a sign of Christ’s death and a testimony to His divine mission.

  • Verse 25: The signs will also include the resurrection of many saints who have died, who will appear to the people and testify of Christ’s resurrection.

  • Verse 26: These events will take place to confirm the reality of Christ’s death and resurrection, and to show that His mission is central to the plan of salvation.

  • Verse 27: Samuel calls on the people to recognize these signs as divine testimony and to repent before the day of judgment comes.


Verses 28-31: A Final Call to Repentance


  • Verse 28: Samuel reiterates the importance of repentance, warning that those who refuse to repent will face destruction.

  • Verse 29: He tells the people that they cannot say they have not been warned, for the Lord has sent many prophets to call them to repentance.

  • Verse 30: Samuel explains that each person will be judged according to their actions and choices, and those who repent will be saved, while those who remain in sin will be condemned.

  • Verse 31: Samuel concludes his message by emphasizing that the Lord has provided the way for all to be saved through Jesus Christ, and it is up to each individual to choose to accept or reject that salvation.



Overview

Helaman 15

Helaman 15 continues Samuel the Lamanite’s discourse, focusing on the contrasting spiritual states of the Nephites and the Lamanites. Samuel praises the Lamanites for their faithfulness in accepting the gospel, while condemning the Nephites for their growing wickedness and pride. He emphasizes that the Lord’s judgments are upon the Nephites because of their continual rejection of the prophets and failure to repent. Samuel also prophesies about the long-term spiritual state of the Lamanites, who will eventually receive blessings for their faithfulness, while the Nephites will face destruction if they do not repent.



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

  • The Contrast Between the Lamanites and Nephites: One of the main themes in Helaman 15 is the contrasting spiritual state of the Lamanites and the Nephites. The Lamanites, once known for their wickedness, have now become humble and faithful in keeping the commandments, while the Nephites, who were once a righteous people, are now steeped in pride and sin. This drives home the point that God is not a respecter of persons, he loves everybody and has given us the gift of agency. He will not force anyone to make good or bad choices, but he is ready and waiting to help all who will listen to him and follow his instructions. His covenant promise is that if we will choose him and listen to him, and if we are willing to follow him and sacrifice our sins, carnal natures, and desires to know him, he will #1. Lead us out of bondage. #2. Deliver us by teaching us a better way through the Law of his Gospel. #3 Redeem and reclaim us as our Kinsman Redeemer and if we covenant to be faithful and chaste to Him and our families, he will bring us back into His Eternal Family, and #4. He will bring us to Him, to the Promised Land, our Eternal Home, to live with Him, our Heavenly parents, and our Families collectively, as a united people, as we learn to consecrate our lives, talents, and blessings to His service and kingdom. That is everything in a nutshell, it is that simple. This is the covenant he made with Israel anciently, and it is the same covenant he makes with us today.

  • Cultural Insights:

  • The Importance of Repentance: Samuel continually emphasizes the need for repentance. He praises the Lamanites for their willingness to repent and change, and he sternly warns the Nephites that they must do the same or face destruction.

  • The Lord’s Mercy and Long-Suffering: Samuel explains that the Lord has been merciful and long-suffering toward both the Lamanites and the Nephites. The Lord extended multiple opportunities for repentance to the Nephites, and He has shown mercy to the Lamanites by preserving them and blessing them for their newfound faith.

  • Prophecy of the Nephites’ Destruction: Samuel issues a prophetic warning that the Nephites will be destroyed if they do not repent. He foretells that the Nephites’ time is running out, and unless they change their ways, they will be completely wiped out as a people.


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Helaman 15

Verses 1-4: The Faithfulness of the Lamanites


  • Verse 1: Samuel begins by praising the Lamanites for their steadfastness in the gospel after having been converted. He contrasts their faith with the Nephites' increasing wickedness.

  • Verse 2: He notes that the Lamanites were once a hardened people but have now repented and embraced the gospel, showing greater faithfulness than the Nephites.

  • Verse 3: Samuel acknowledges that the Lord has been merciful to the Lamanites because of their willingness to repent and turn to God, and He will continue to bless them if they remain faithful.

  • Verse 4: He emphasizes that the Lord has prolonged His judgments upon the Nephites out of mercy, giving them many opportunities to repent, but they have rejected these chances.

Why Did Samuel Say the Lord “Hated” the Lamanites?

Verses 5-8: The Blessings of the Lamanites

Wordplay on Laman

  • Verse 5: Samuel expresses joy over the Lamanites' conversion, saying that they were brought to repentance through humility and faith, and they are now firm and steadfast in keeping the commandments of God.

  • Verse 6: He emphasizes that the Lamanites are following the truth with zeal and dedication, which stands in stark contrast to the Nephites, who have turned away from God.

  • Verse 7: Samuel highlights that the Lamanites have been taught the gospel through the efforts of Nephite missionaries, and they have accepted the teachings with gladness.

  • Verse 8: He reassures the Lamanites that they will continue to receive the Lord’s blessings if they remain steadfast in their faith and continue in righteousness.

Love and Hate

Verses 9-13: The Warnings to the Nephites


  • Verse 9: Samuel turns his message back to the Nephites, warning them that unless they repent, they will be destroyed. He calls on them to remember the faith of their forefathers and the great blessings they have received from the Lord.

  • Verse 10: He chastises the Nephites for their pride and hard-heartedness, pointing out that they have rejected the many prophets the Lord has sent to them over the years.

  • Verse 11: Samuel warns that the destruction of the Nephites is imminent if they do not repent, as their rejection of the gospel and the prophets has brought them to the brink of spiritual destruction.

  • Verse 12: He prophesies that if the Nephites continue in their wickedness, they will be completely wiped out as a people, while the Lamanites will be preserved.

  • Verse 13: Samuel calls on the Nephites to repent immediately, stressing that the time to change is running out, and they must turn to God before it is too late.


Verses 14-17: The Lord’s Mercy to the Lamanites


  • Verse 14: Samuel continues to explain that the Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites because of their faith. Even though the Lamanites had once been wicked, they have accepted the gospel, and the Lord is now preserving them.

  • Verse 15: He emphasizes that the Lamanites are now a chosen people because of their faithfulness, while the Nephites are in danger of losing the blessings they once had due to their apostasy.

  • Verse 16: Samuel prophesies that the Lamanites will eventually become even more righteous, while the Nephites will continue to decline unless they repent.

  • Verse 17: He concludes this section by reaffirming that the Lord’s mercy will extend to the Lamanites for many generations, and the Lord will continue to work among them because of their humility and willingness to follow His commandments.


Overview


Helaman 16

Helaman 16 concludes the account of Samuel the Lamanite’s ministry among the Nephites and their reaction to his prophecies. After delivering his message, Samuel is cast out by the people, but they are unable to harm him because of divine protection. Many believe Samuel’s words and are converted, but the majority remain hardened in their hearts, seeking to kill him. Despite the signs and wonders Samuel had prophesied about, the wicked continue to reject his teachings. As time progresses, the people witness signs of Christ's impending birth, but the wicked continue to rationalize and reject the reality of these signs, choosing to remain in darkness. This chapter highlights the importance of faith, the consequences of disbelief, and the fulfillment of prophecy.


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

  • Divine Protection for Prophets: Samuel’s experience of being protected from harm by the Lord demonstrates the divine protection that accompanies those who are called to deliver God’s message. Despite the attempts on his life, Samuel is preserved by divine intervention, symbolizing the power and authority of God’s messengers.

  • The Power of Prophecy: This chapter emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy, particularly Samuel’s predictions about the signs of Christ’s birth. Despite the many signs, wonders, and angelic visitations, the majority of the people refuse to believe in the fulfillment of these prophecies, illustrating the consequences of disbelief.

  • Literary and Linguistic Insights:

  • Rationalization and Skepticism: One of the key themes in this chapter is the people’s tendency to rationalize away the signs and wonders that point to the Savior’s coming. Rather than accept the clear signs of divine intervention, many choose to explain them as coincidences, sorcery, or natural phenomena, showing the human tendency to resist faith when it challenges preconceptions.

  • The Hardness of Heart: Helaman 16 highlights the hardness of heart among the Nephites. Despite numerous opportunities to repent and acknowledge the divine signs, many continue to reject the truth. This hardness of heart is portrayed as a deliberate choice, with individuals becoming more entrenched in their disbelief as they mock the prophets and the believers.

  • Mocking the Prophets: One of the recurring themes in these final verses is the people’s mocking and rejection of the prophets. Even though they witness miraculous signs, they refuse to accept the message of the prophets, choosing instead to ridicule and rationalize away the divine manifestations.

  • The Rationalization of Miracles: These verses also highlight the tendency of the wicked to explain away miraculous signs. Despite the extraordinary nature of the signs, the people refuse to acknowledge them as divine. Instead, they attribute the signs to ordinary causes, demonstrating the power of pride and willful ignorance.

  • Faith and Preparation: In contrast to the wicked, those who believe in Samuel’s message are portrayed as preparing for the coming of Christ. They accept the signs and live with faith and anticipation. This theme emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness and the blessings that come from believing in the Lord’s prophets.

  • Signs as Testimonies: In the ancient world, signs and wonders were often seen as divine affirmations of a prophet’s message. However, as this chapter shows, even clear signs are not always sufficient to persuade those who are hardened in unbelief. This echoes the biblical principle that signs are given to strengthen the faith of believers but do not necessarily convert those who are set in disbelief (see Luke 16:31).

  • The Concept of Hardness of Heart: The idea of a "hard heart" is common in both the Book of Mormon and the Bible. The Hebrew term for hard-heartedness (qāšāh) implies a stubborn refusal to accept truth, often resulting in a person's inability to recognize or respond to divine influence. In Helaman 16, the Nephites’ hardened hearts lead them to reject clear signs from God, despite the miracles unfolding before them.

  • Divine Judgment and Mercy: Helaman 16 illustrates the balance between divine judgment and mercy. While the Lord continues to extend opportunities for the Nephites to repent, their persistent rejection of the prophets leads to an inevitable judgment. This reflects the pattern seen throughout scripture, where prolonged rebellion results in divine consequences.


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Helaman 16


Verses 1-3: The Nephites Attempt to Kill Samuel


  • Verse 1: After delivering his prophetic warnings, Samuel the Lamanite leaves the city of Zarahemla. The Nephites are furious with Samuel, and many attempt to kill him by throwing stones and shooting arrows at him.

  • Verse 2: Despite their efforts, the Nephites are unable to harm Samuel because the Lord protects him. Seeing that their attempts are futile, some people begin to believe Samuel’s words and repent of their sins.

  • Verse 3: Samuel, having completed his mission, returns to his own land and is not heard from again. Those who believed in his words seek out the prophets and are baptized.


Verses 4-7: Reactions to Samuel’s Prophecies

Declare the Way to Safety

  • Verse 4: Although many believed Samuel and were converted, the majority of the Nephites remained hardened in their hearts. They dismissed Samuel’s warnings, even though he had prophesied about events that would happen in the near future.

  • Verse 5: The people see signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, as prophesied by Samuel, but they rationalize these signs, refusing to attribute them to divine intervention.

  • Verse 6: As time passes, some people begin to realize that Samuel’s prophecies about Christ’s birth and the accompanying signs might be true, but many others still reject the message.

  • Verse 7: The hardened Nephites justify their disbelief by claiming that the miracles and signs are the result of sorcery, trickery, or natural occurrences, rather than the fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecies.


Verses 8-12: Increasing Signs and Wonders


  • Verse 8: Despite the people’s disbelief, great signs and wonders begin to appear throughout the land as a fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecies about the birth of Christ.

  • Verse 9: Angels are seen by many people, proclaiming the good news of Christ’s imminent birth. These heavenly messengers testify of Christ’s coming, but even these manifestations do not convince the majority of the people.

  • Verse 10: The unbelievers, instead of accepting these signs, become more entrenched in their skepticism. They argue that the signs are either coincidences or the result of deception.

  • Verse 11: Even the testimony of angels and the appearance of miraculous signs do not sway the hearts of the wicked. They continue to reject the message of Samuel and the other prophets.

  • Verse 12: The people remain divided: those who believe are firm in their faith, while the majority persist in their disbelief, rationalizing the signs and wonders as ordinary events.


Verses 13-15: The Fulfillment of Samuel’s Prophecies

Why Does Mormon State that ‘Angels Did Appear unto Wise Men’?

  • Verse 13: As the signs foretold by Samuel continue to be fulfilled, there are many who believe and prepare for the coming of Christ. They accept the prophets and live in faith.

  • Verse 14: However, a great portion of the Nephites continues to reject the signs, even as they witness miracles and wonders. They harden their hearts further and become more spiritually blind.

  • Verse 15: The wicked attempt to explain away the signs as natural occurrences or the work of men, refusing to acknowledge them as divine signs foretelling the birth of the Savior.


Verses 16-22: The Hardness of the People’s Hearts


  • Verse 16: The unbelievers claim that the signs and wonders are coincidences and that the prophets are manipulating them. They refuse to acknowledge any divine intervention.

  • Verse 17: In their pride and stubbornness, they insist that the signs are not from God. They mock the believers and the prophets, claiming that they are being deceived.

  • Verse 18: Some argue that if the signs were truly from God, more dramatic events would occur. They demand even greater miracles and signs to prove the truth.

  • Verse 19: The people rationalize their disbelief by asserting that the signs are simply the result of natural laws, not the fulfillment of divine prophecy.

  • Verse 20: The wicked people become increasingly hardened in their hearts, and despite the many signs, they reject the message of Christ’s coming. They scoff at the prophecies and refuse to repent.

  • Verse 21: The more the signs appear, the more the people rationalize them, denying the power of God and refusing to believe in the miraculous events happening before their eyes.

  • Verse 22: The chapter concludes with the continued division among the people: those who believe are blessed with faith and hope in Christ, while those who reject the signs remain hardened in their pride and disbelief.


Verses 23-25: Continued Hardness of Heart and Rationalization

Colophons (Complexity)

  • Verse 23: Despite the many signs and wonders, the people continue to reject the prophets and their teachings. They dismiss the signs as ordinary occurrences, failing to recognize them as divine warnings. This deepening unbelief shows their increasing spiritual blindness.

  • Verse 24: The people become more hardened in their hearts, refusing to listen to the prophets and mocking those who believe. They justify their wickedness by claiming that the signs and miracles have natural explanations, choosing disbelief over faith.

  • Verse 25: The chapter concludes with a stark summary of the state of the Nephites: they refuse to repent and continue in their wickedness, despite the many signs that have been given. As a result, they will be subject to the consequences of their unbelief and rejection of the prophets.

Colophons (Antiquity)


Church Videos & Resources


Scripture Central

  • Study Guide. The study guide with the Reading Plan is now up under the Scripture Central Podcast Materials


BYU’s RSC








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