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Jul 156 min read

“The Virtue of the Word of God”

Updated: Jul 21





Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material



Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson




The Book of Mormon: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue



Condensed Big Picture Summary & Review


Establishment of the New Government:

  • King to Reign of Judges

Alma 1-4 (around 91 B.C.)

Establishing the Organization of the Government and Internal Conflicts

  • Nehor preaches false doctrines, kills Gideon, and is executed for his crimes.

  • Amlici seeks to be King, resulting in a civil war with significant casualties

  • Amlicites mark themselves to distinguish their group from the Nephites

  • Alma the Younger steps down as chief judge


Alma's Missionary Efforts

Alma 5-16 (around 90-87 B.C.)

  • Alma delivers his sermon in Zarahemla (likely a Passover Seder).

  • Alma travels to Gideon, Melek, and then to Ammonihah, where he is rejected.

  • Alma is instructed by an angel to return to Ammonihah to find Amulek.

  • Amulek and Alma become companions and teach together in Ammonihah

  • Zeezerom and a group of lawyers, seeking to overthrow the laws and government, arrest and persecute Alma and Amulek

  • Amulek and Alma debate Zeezrom and expose his deceit while explaining the Plan of Salvation and teaching about the Holy Order (Seder Kadosh) of the Priesthood.

  • Zeezrom has a change of heart and is persecuted by the other lawyers, causing him to leave the city.

  • Alma and Amulek are imprisoned; believers are martyred, and their records are destroyed by fire.

  • Alma and Amulek are eventually delivered from prison through an earthquake.

  • Zeezrom has been converted, and he is healed. He joins Alma and Amulek's ministry.

  • The city of Ammonihah is destroyed by the Lamanites, as prophesied by Alma.


Meanwhile...


The Missionary Efforts of the Sons of Mosiah (91-77 B.C)


  • The sons of Mosiah (Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni) embark on their missions to the Lamanites.

  • Ammon serves King Lamoni in the land of Ishmael, leading to Lamoni’s conversion.

  • The conversion of King Lamoni’s household and his people. (Theophony experience of Limoni and the Queen, likely during cultural feast observance of Shavuot (i.e. Pentecost). Both Ammon and the servant girl, Abish, recognize what is happening because both have experienced similar experiences previously, Ammon with Alma and Abish with her father.)

  • Ammon and Lamoni encounter Lamoni’s father; Ammon spares Lamoni's father after a fight ensues. Lamoni's father, the King of several Lamanite cities, offers Ammon up to 1/2 of the kingdom in exchange for his life. Ammon only asks for two things. He asks the King to forgive and make peace with his son, allowing Lamoni to practice his faith and he asks for help with rescuing Ammon's brothers who have been imprisoned in Middoni.

  • Aaron and his brethren have been preaching in Jerusalem and Middoni. They are imprisoned, and later freed by Ammon and Lamoni.

  • Aaron teaches and helps to convert Lamoni’s father, the king over all the Lamanites, who has a similar theophanic experience to Lamoni and his queen.

  • Religious freedom is proclaimed among the Lamanites; many are converted.

  • The converted Lamanites, now called Anti-Nephi-Lehies, bury their weapons of war and are martyred rather than fight.

  • More Lamanites are converted by the steadfastness of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies; former Amulonites (descendants of the priests of Noah) and Amalekites (dissenters from the Nephites who followed Amlici) hunt them down. The Lamanites

  • This is around the time period when Ammonihah is destroyed.

  • Ammon rejoices in their missionary success and praises God for His mercies (Ama 26)

  • The Ammulonites and Amalakites continue to stir up contention, gathering another army to attack the Anti-Lehi-Nephites.

  • Ammon and the sons of Mosiah return to Zarahemla to seek aid from the Nephites


Reunification of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah (around 77 BC)


  • Ammon takes the cause of the Anti-Lehi-Nephites before the Chief Judge, who presents the case to the people. The people vote to offer the land of Jershon to the Anti-Nephi-Lehites

  • The Anti-Nephi-Lehies relocate to the land of Jershon for safety, and are protected by the Nephites.

  • A great battle between the Nephites and Lamanites ensues near Jershon and the surrounding cities; many lives are lost on both sides.

  • Alma reflects on the events that have transpired and expresses his feelings through song, "Oh that I were an Angel." (***See Lori Denning's commentary on this poetic song and its connections to traditional Hebraic poetry in the Follow Him Podcast. It is Excellent! Transcripts)


Alma's Continued Ministry and Teachings


  • The rise of Korihor, an anti-Christ, who preaches against the prophecies of Christ, demanding a sign. Korihor is struck dumb and eventually confesses his deceit before dying. (Around 75 BC)

  • Alma leads a mission to reclaim the Zoramites, who have fallen into apostasy, idol worship, and pride. (Around 74 BC)





In addition to the videos and podcasts listed above, the following may also be helpful for your studies this week.




 

Overview


Alma 30 details the rise and fall of Korihor, an anti-Christ who preaches against the prophecies of Christ and the teachings of the church. Korihor's rhetoric and arguments challenge the faith of the Nephites, leading to significant confrontation with Alma the Younger. This chapter explores themes of faith versus skepticism, divine justice, and the consequences of rejecting the truth.


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


Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Alma 30


Verses 1-6: Introduction of Korihor


1-2: Korihor appears among the Nephites, preaching against the prophecies concerning Christ. 

3-4: Korihor travels through the land of Zarahemla and other Nephite lands, spreading his teachings. 

5-6: He gains followers who believe in his anti-Christ doctrines.

The Rise of Korihor

  • Appearance: Korihor emerges as a significant figure opposing the church.

  • Travel and Influence: He travels widely, spreading his beliefs and gaining followers.

  • Challenge to Prophecies: His teachings directly oppose the prophecies and doctrines of Christ.

Why Does the Book of Mormon Use So Many Different Terms for “Law”?

Verses 7-18: Korihor’s Teachings and Impact


7-8: The Nephites allow freedom of belief and worship, leading to widespread discussion of Korihor’s teachings. 

9-10: Korihor preaches that there is no Christ and that prophecies are foolish traditions. 

11-12: He argues that religious leaders use their positions to exploit the people for personal gain. 

13-14: Korihor teaches that there is no sin or need for repentance, and that individuals should act according to their own desires. 

15-18: He claims that human knowledge and evidence are the only valid bases for belief, denying the existence of God and divine revelation.

Korihor’s Doctrine

  • Denial of Christ: He rejects the existence of Christ and the validity of prophecies.

  • Accusations Against Leaders: He accuses religious leaders of manipulation and exploitation.

  • Moral Relativism: Korihor promotes the idea that there is no sin and individuals should follow their own desires.

  • Empiricism: He insists that knowledge should be based only on empirical evidence.

Korihor’s Trial

Verses 19-29: Confrontation with Alma


19-20: Korihor is brought before Alma and the chief judge to answer for his teachings. 

21-22: Alma questions Korihor about his beliefs and accusations. 

23-24: Korihor reiterates his denial of Christ and accusations against the church. 

25-26: Alma counters Korihor’s arguments, emphasizing the consistency and selflessness of church leaders. 

27-28: Alma challenges Korihor’s denial of God, pointing to the testimony of all things and the faith of the people. 

29: Korihor demands a sign to prove the existence of God.

Alma’s Defense

  • Interrogation: Alma questions Korihor about his beliefs and challenges.

  • Defense of Church Leaders: Alma defends the integrity and selflessness of church leaders.

  • Testimony of God: Alma points to the testimony of creation and the faith of the people as evidence of God.

Verses 30-35: Korihor’s Punishment


30-31: Alma prays for a sign to be given to Korihor. Korihor is struck dumb, unable to speak. 

32-33: Alma explains that Korihor’s condition is a sign from God and warns the people against unbelief. 

34-35: Korihor writes his confession, admitting that he was deceived by the devil and that his teachings were false.

Divine Justice

  • Struck Dumb: Korihor is punished by being struck dumb as a sign from God.

  • Confession: He confesses in writing, admitting his deceit and the falsehood of his teachings.


Verses 36-50: Aftermath and Lessons

All Things Denote There Is a God

36-37: Korihor is cast out, and he goes from house to house begging for food. 

38-39: He eventually makes his way to the land of the Zoramites, where he is trampled to death. 

40-41: Alma warns the people to remain steadfast in the faith and avoid being led astray by false teachings. 

42-43: He emphasizes the importance of humility and repentance. 

44-45: Alma concludes with a testimony of God’s justice and mercy, urging the people to remain faithful.

Aftermath and Reflection

  • Fall of Korihor: Korihor’s ultimate fate is a tragic end, serving as a warning to others.

  • Steadfastness in Faith: Alma exhorts the people to remain steadfast and avoid being deceived.

  • Humility and Repentance: He emphasizes the need for humility and repentance.

  • Testimony of God: Alma concludes with a reaffirmation of God’s justice and mercy.

Overview

Alma 31

Alma 31 details Alma’s mission to reclaim the Zoramites, who have fallen into apostasy and developed their own distinct and corrupt religious practices. The chapter highlights themes of apostasy, pride, true worship, and the power of faith and prayer. Alma and his companions are deeply concerned about the spiritual state of the Zoramites and embark on a mission to bring them back to the true gospel.


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

Major Topics/ Themes

​Cross-References, Videos & Resources

Alma 31

Verses 1-6: The Zoramite Apostasy

Finding the Lamb of God

1: Alma learns about the Zoramites' apostasy and their separation from the Nephites.

2-3: The Zoramites had fallen into serious errors, and their practices were leading them away from the commandments of God. 

4-6: Alma fears that the Zoramites’ apostasy will lead them to unite with the Lamanites against the Nephites. He decides to take a group of missionaries with him to preach to the Zoramites.

The Zoramite Departure from the Faith

  • Apostasy: The Zoramites have separated themselves and fallen into corrupt religious practices.

  • Potential Alliance with Lamanites: Alma is concerned about the political and military implications of their apostasy.

  • Missionary Effort: Alma decides to lead a mission to reclaim the Zoramites.

Wordplay on Antion

Verses 7-11: The Missionary Team


7: Alma selects a team of missionaries to accompany him: Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, Shiblon, and Corianton. 

8-9: They journey to the land of Antionum, where the Zoramites live. 

10-11: Upon arrival, they witness the Zoramites’ strange and prideful practices.

The Missionary Team

  • Selection of Missionaries: Alma chooses trusted companions for the mission.

  • Journey to Antionum: The missionaries travel to the Zoramite city.

  • Observation of Practices: They observe the Zoramites’ apostate religious practices.


Verses 12-18: The Zoramite Worship on the Rameumptom

The Narrative Symbolism of Apparel

12: The Zoramites have built a high place called the Rameumptom, where they gather weekly to pray. 

13-14: The Zoramites take turns ascending the Rameumptom and offering the same prideful prayer. 

15-18: Their prayers express self-righteousness, elitism, and disdain for others, denying the need for Christ and proclaiming their own chosen status.

Corrupt Worship Practices

  • Rameumptom: A high place for public prayers, symbolizing pride and elitism.

  • Uniform Prayers: Their prayers are repetitive and focused on self-righteousness.

  • Denial of Christ: They reject the need for a Savior and express disdain for others.


Verses 19-23: Alma’s Response and Prayer


19-20: Alma is deeply troubled by the Zoramites’ pride and apostasy. He gathers his companions to discuss their approach. 

21-22: Alma prays fervently, expressing sorrow for the Zoramites and asking for strength and success in their mission. 

23: Alma prays for his companions, asking for their faith and effectiveness in bringing the Zoramites back to the gospel.

Alma’s Prayer

  • Troubled by Apostasy: Alma is distressed by the Zoramites' practices.

  • Fervent Prayer: Alma prays earnestly for strength, success, and guidance.

  • Intercession for Companions: He prays for his missionary team, asking for faith and success.

Wordplay on Zoram

Verses 24-38: The Mission to the Zoramites


24-25: Alma begins preaching to the Zoramites, starting with the poorer class who are cast out of the synagogues. 

26-30: He teaches them about faith, repentance, and the coming of Christ, contrasting true worship with their prideful practices. 

31-33: Amulek follows, reinforcing Alma’s teachings and bearing his testimony. 

34-36: Zeezrom also speaks, adding his testimony and support to the teachings. 

37-38: The missionaries experience trials and opposition but are filled with the Holy Spirit and comforted by God’s grace.

Preaching to the Zoramites

  • Learning with Humility: Alma and his companions begin with teaching the humble Zoramites who have been cast out of the synagogues.

  • Teaching True Worship: They contrast true faith and worship with the Zoramites’ corrupt practices.

  • Unified Effort: Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom teach and testify together.

  • Trials and Comfort: Despite opposition, the missionaries are supported and comforted by the Holy Spirit.ing


Church Videos & Resources


Scripture Central

Video Commentary

  • Listed above in podcast section

Know Whys

Evidences

Written Commentary

Reading Plan

Maps & Charts

  • Images

Bibliography & Additional Resource



BYU’s RSC








Books





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