Helaman 13-16

The spiritual development of the Lamanite converts is so evident that eventually the Lord raised a mighty prophet from among them.  Samuel was never one of the presidents of the Church (Nephi held that office at that time.) Still, he exercised a powerful ministry under Nephi.  For the apostate Nephites, Samuel's presence and teachings were probably nothing short of "preposterous."  After all, here was someone who may have been a "fairly recent" convert (probably between 3 to 80 years) calling the Nephites--who had had the gospel among in their country for almost 600 years--to repent.  This would be equivalent in our days to having a Russian or a Nigerian saint come to the United States of America to call American saints with pioneer ancestry to repent.

Questions for Review:

1. In what way was wealth a curse for the Nephites? (Helaman 13:21-22)

2. According to Samuel, the Lamanite, what did the Nephites seek all their days which was contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in the Lord? (Helaman 13:38)


 
Helaman 13
The Prophecies of Samuel, the Lamanite

An insight on the spirit of prophecy and revelation (3-4; also read D&C 100:5)

Samuel prophesies the complete destruction of the Nephites unless they repent (5-10)

Hardness of heart brings 3 types of penalties: (8)

Wealth becomes cursed because of wickedness (21-22, 31-36)

People expel the true prophets and embrace the false ones because of popularity, flattery and external appearance (24-29)

Happiness in iniquity is contrary to the nature of righteousness (38)

"Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. ...

"[We] cannot keep all the commandments without first knowing them, and we cannot expect to know all, or more than we now know unless we comply with or keep those we have already received. ... Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire. If we seek first the kingdom of God, all good things will be added." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.255-256)

. If you want, review some of our insights in connection with Helaman 5:12

 
Helaman 14-15
The Prophecies of Samuel, the Lamanite

Samuel announces: The coming of the Son of God will occur in 5 years (14:2)

Great signs will herald the birth of the Savior of the world (14:3-6) Samuel's teachings on the atonement: Christ had to die; his death was not an accident, nor it was preventable (14:15)

Christ's death brings: (14:16-18, 30-31)

Great signs will also herald the death of the Savior (14:20-28)

The Lord will be merciful to the Lamanites (15:12-16)


 
Helaman 16

Some Nephites believed in the words of Samuel, confessed their sins and were baptized, while the majority did not believe and attacked Samuel  (1-3,6)

Samuel flees  (7-8)

Great signs begin to be shown  (13-14)

The sad truth: the people still disbelieved the words of the prophets, despite the signs  (16-23)


Copyright © 1994-2007 - Marcus H. Martins
This web page was published only as a support for classroom discussion.
For more information, contact Dr. Marcus Martins at: martinsm@byuh.edu