2024 Study Summary 33: “STAND FAST IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST”

Alma 43–52

“STAND FAST IN THE FAITH OF CHRIST”

Alma 43. Alma and his sons preach the word—The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites—The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war—Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor—The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites—The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion—The armies of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. [About 74 B.C.]

Alma 44. Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed—Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes—Moroni’s armies defeat the Lamanites. [About 74—73 B.C.]

The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days.
Comprising chapters 45 throughn62.

Alma 45. Helaman believes the words of Alma—Alma prophesies the destruction of the Nephites—He blesses and curses the land—Alma is taken up by the Spirit, even as Moses—Dissension grows in the Church. [73 B.C.]

Alma 46. Amalickiah conspires to be king—Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph shall be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. [Between 73 and 72 B.C.]

Alma 47. Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites.

Alma 48. Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites—Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians—He rejoiced in liberty and freedom and was a mighty man of God.

Alma 49. The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah—Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni—Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church. [72 B.C.]

Alma 50. Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites—They build many new cities—Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations—Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum—Nephihah dies and his son Pahoran fills the judgment-seat. [About 72—67 B.C.]

Alma 51. The king-men seek to change the law and set up a king—Pahoran and the freemen are supported by the voice of the people—Moroni compels the king-men to defend their liberty or be put to death—Amalickiah and the Lamanites capture many fortified cities—Teancum repels the Lamanite invasion and slays Amalickiah in his tent. [About 67 B.C.]

Alma 52. Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites—Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites—The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Lamanite is slain. [About 66—64 B.C.]

How can I deal with the state-of-war in the world today?
The politics and wars that follow in the chapters being examined show the use and abuse of both justice and mercy as discussed in the last lesson. There are parallels to Israel’s modern history as efforts to ensure the citizen’s rights and obligations are balanced with ideologies and political aspirations. As in the Book of Mormon, the modern Israel nation and government is not seeking for monarchy or power over one ethnic group or another. “Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.” (Alma 43:45)

How can a “few” become the majority?
Zerahemna denied the reason for the Moroni’s success which was rooted in faith and in a God-given destiny. He claimed that the Nephite’s weaponry and state-of-the-art military skills gave them an advantage over the Lamanites. A parallel to that can be seen in Israel’s modern history. Those who choose to fight against Israel deny Israel’s claim rooted in an historical faith and in a biblical heritage of God-given destiny. They also complain that the Israel has developed and is receiving financial supported for their inventions from the USA for state-of-the-art military weaponry in Israel, an unfair advantage over “Palestinians.” It must be noted, however, that most of the Arabs under, and not under, “Palestinian Authority” do not wish to fight. Repeatedly, polls done in the area of the Palestinian Authority, show that the popular vote for whoever became the Palestinian leader seems to be considerably less than a majority of their entire ethnic population. Those leaders skillfully and deceptively introduce so many factions that one with the largest following, (usually less than a third) ends up with a “majority of votes!”

Hero or headache?
For years I wondered what was the reason that Zarahemna’s life was ultimately spared . . . even when he attacked Moroni at the “Peace Conference.” Anyone traveling to Mayan ruins in Central America soon learns that in most “ball games” the winner gets decapitated as the audience witnesses this bloodthirsty, exciting event. If Zarahemna would have been decapitated instead of receiving a “hair cut” – he would have been the “winner!” At least, his people, with such a lust for blood, would have interpreted it that way.

What can I do to counter conflict?
The ultimate resolution to conflict is following the instruction and counsel of the Messiah and in accepting his eventual return and rule. Then, our rights, obligations, ideologies, and political aspirations will be righteously balanced. Seeking an antidote for unrighteousness to the powers usurped by monarchies or dictatorships will eventually cause them to disappear as we become prepared, and the Savior appears and leads us with justice and mercy.

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