The passing of kingship and its correlation with becoming a member of the kingdom of God!
Indebted Mosiah 1-3
Words of Mormon 1:3-7 - I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people!
Structure of the Plates:
Book of Nephi - placed at the front of Mormon's book - up to reign of king Benjamin
Background:
Words of Mormon 1:3-7 - I cannot write the hundredth part of the things of my people!
Structure of the Plates:
Book of Nephi - placed at the front of Mormon's book - up to reign of king Benjamin
Book of Lehi
Books of Nephi
Jacob-Omni
Books of Nephi
Jacob-Omni
Rest of his book comes from Large plates of Nephi
Words of Mormon 1:12-18
12-14 Lamanites and Nephites fought - Lamanites were driven out
15-16 False Christs and prophets and preachers - punished according to crimes
16-18 King Benjamin was a holy man - and did reign over his people in righteousness
King Benjamin and his people - contention and war with Lamanites
Words of Mormon 1:12-18
12-14 Lamanites and Nephites fought - Lamanites were driven out
15-16 False Christs and prophets and preachers - punished according to crimes
16-18 King Benjamin was a holy man - and did reign over his people in righteousness
There were many holy men - speak word of god with authority and power
laboring with their might they did once more establish peace in the land
laboring with their might they did once more establish peace in the land
Point of Note:
Notice that the Lamanites came out of the Land of Nephi - this is the same land that Mosiah Benjamin's father fled from.
They were actually fighting their
own previous countrymen
... Omni 1:12This is another example where the word
Lamanite
may not actually mean dark-skinned son/daughter of Laman but rather people opposed to righteous people.Sometimes I think we forget what a Lamanite really means those who seek to destroy the people following the prophet. Jacob 1:13-14
Mormon teaches us about king Benjamin
Mosiah 1:1-8
it is interesting to note that as Mormon brings King Benjamin into his historical/spiritual account he first teaches how he was as a parent in his own home.
Why is this important to note?
There is no success that can compensate for failure in the home. It is difficult to overstate the importance parents have in teaching their children the principles of the Gospel. They cannot delegate this responsibility to another - it rests solely upon them. Others may help, and strengthen their teachings, but the responsibility for teaching a persons children is upon the parents.
Proclamation on the Family
HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have
a sacred duty
to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
How/what did he teach his sons?
2 Language of his fathers - that they might become men of understanding - know prophecies (2)
3 Concening records engraved upon plates of brass (3)
4 Language of Egyptians - allowed plates to be read - fulfill commandments of God (4)
5 Remember to keep and obey commandments of God (7)
6 Search the scriptures diligently - to profit from them (7)
7 If you obey you will prosper in the land (7)
8 Many more things not even taught in this book! (8)
What should we teach our own children?
King Benjamin is getting old
Mosiah 1:9-13
9 He is becoming old and will soon die - better confer kingdom upon a son
10 He calls Mosiah before him -
gather the people - I will make you king over them
11-12
I will give them a name
- to be distinguished above all other people13 If they fall into transgression - he will not preserve them
What is this name that he is going to give them?
The name of Jesus Christ - their savior.
What is the symbolism of a new name?
A new name symbolizes a variety of things:
A covenant is being made - representing a change in a life
A person is leaving their old life behind and becoming a new person
A person is repenting of their sins - and the consequences apply to previous name not new person.
A person is joining another tribe/group and taking upon them the new designation
A person is leaving their old life behind and becoming a new person
A person is repenting of their sins - and the consequences apply to previous name not new person.
A person is joining another tribe/group and taking upon them the new designation
Mosiah 1:15-17 - Mosiah given charge of the kingdom
15 Charge concening all affairs of kingdom
16 Charge concening records,
17 Mosiah gathers the people to hear his father
No mention is made here of the Urim and Thumim used to translate the records of the Jaradites.
Mosiah received them with the records of the Brother of Jared Ether 3:27-28, Ether 4:1,5
We know that Mosiah father of Benjamin translated a stone by gift and power of God probably through the Urim and Thumim. Omni 1:20
This instrument is used in Mosiah Mosiah 8:13-19 as a means of translating ancient records and Mosiah Benjamin's son has them.
Mosiah 2:1-2
Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land - that they should all gather together.
The people had multiplied exceedingly, and waxed great - they were not numbered
Mosiah 2:3-6
3-4 They took firstlings of flocks to offer sacrifice and bunt offerings according to Law of Moses
Interesting Note:
Firstlings of flocks are not part of bunt offerings.. but rather for peace offerings.
Under Mosaic law the firstlings (i.e.. firstbon animals) of flocks and herds were dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 13:12, 15) and were given to the Levites. The Israelites were forbidden from using them for work or gain (Deuteronomy 15:19-20) and were required to bring them to the temple during their pilgrimage festivals, where they would be sacrificed (Deuteronomy 12:5-6). Their blood was sprinkled upon the altar and their fat was buned (Numbers 18:17-18). What was left then was given to the individual and his family to eat that same day (Deuteronomy 15:19-20)).
However, the mere mention of "bunt offerings" in this biblical passage clearly implies animals other than firstlings, even if no other animals are explicitly mentioned. Similarly, it is reasonable to interpret the Mosiah 2:3 reference to "sacrifice and bunt offerings" as an allusion to two distinct forms of sacrifice--the sacrifice of firstlings in the so-called peace offering and the bunt offering taken from other animals. Thus, the Nephites, in accordance with the legal prescriptions of Mosaic law, "took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they might offer sacrifice" and they also took other animals to offer as "bunt offerings according to the law of Moses"
You will also note that they did not have any Levites, or sons of Aaron to perform these ordinance/sacrifices for them. This is by inference the need for the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Aaronic Priesthood except without lineage as we currently have.
5-6 They came up to the temple - and pitched their tents as families - from the eldest to the youngest - every family separate
They pitched their tents with the door thereof towards the temple - that they might remain in their tents and hear the words
2:10 Not to trifle with my words - mysteries of God unfolded to your view
I am just like you
2:11 I am subject to all manner of infirmities of mind and body
I have been allowed to spend my days in your service
2:12 I have served you - and not sought gold or silver
2:13 I haven't confined you in dungeons, or suffered you to commit sin
2:14 I have labored with mine own hands - no taxes
2:15 I don't tell you these things to boast - clear conscience before god
2:16 I have been in the service of God when I have served you
If I have served you - ought ye not to serve one another?
2:18 Ye have called me your king - I serve you
If you thank me shouldn't you thank your heavenly king?
2:19 If you thank me - how much more should you thank God
2:20-21 if you were to thank him with all your power -
2:22 all he requires is that ye obey him - if you do he blesses you and prospers you
2:23 He created you in the first place - you are indebted to him
2:24 if you obey him - he doth bless you - you have been paid - still indebted
2:25
2:26 I am no better than ye are - I am about to die
I have called you to assemble: Clear conscience - declare son king
2:27 I have a clear conscience before God and have caused you to assemble
2:28 That I am found blameless before God
2:29
2:30 I am to weak -
2:31
2:31
There is a wo pronounced upon him who obeys evil spirit
2:33 the same drinketh damnation to his own soul - rebels against god
2:34 there are none among you but children - who have not been taught
2:35 scriptures teach us these things
After you know and are taught - comes in open rebellion against God
2:36-37 This man becomes an enemy to all righteousness - Lord has no place in him
2:38-39 That man will be in endless torment - mercy has no claim on him
Remember the awfulness of transgression - and happiness of obedient
2:40 All old, young and children - remember awful state of wicked
2:41 Remember the happy and blessed state of the obedient - saved in heaven
He leads them from a secular position of accepting and obeying his son as King over them - to changing their lives and accepting God as King over them as well. He then correlates rebellion with God and forgiveness through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He emphasises that this is the "Name" under which an individual will be saved and that there is no other "Name" through wich this can occur. This is preparing them to accept and take upon themselves the "Name" of Jesus Christ and be his covenant people!
An angel appeared to him and told him these things
3:1-4 Angel woke him up and told him these tidings of great Joy
Jesus Christ shall dwell in a body and heal many people
3:5 The Lord shall come down and dwell in tabenacle of clay - go among men
Healing sick, raising dead, causing lame to walk, blind see, curing all
3:6 Cast out devils - evil spirits in hearts of men
He shall atone for the sins of the men
3:7 Suffer temptations, pain of body, hunger thirst, more than man can suffer
Blood cometh from every poor - anguish for sin
3:8 He shall be called Jesus Christ - son of God - Father of heaven and earth
His mother shall be called Mary
3:9 He cometh that salvation might come unto children of men - through faith
They shall crucify him
3:10 He shall rise the third day from the dead - judgement come upon men
There are requirements for receipt of a remission of their sins
3:11 His blood atoneth for the sins of those through adams transgression
Not knowing will of god
3:12 Wo unto him who knoweth and rebelleth against God
3:13
The Law of Moses Given unto men
3:14 His people were stiffnecked - so Law of Moses appointed
3:15 Law of Moses has many types and shadows - pointing to his atonement
3:16
3:17 No other name given by which man can be saved
3:18
3:19
The Knowledge of a Savor will spread throughout every nation tongue and people
3:20-21 None will be blameless that know of a savor - save little children
3:22
3:23-24 I have told you - and stand blameless before you - they are a witness
3:25-27 Every man is either evil/good by their own choices - judgment is just
I think this is an excelent example of how a king can use the passing of Power from himself to his son as an example of becoming a member of the kingdom of God. It is an interesting correlation and King Benjamin does a great Job in explaining that obedience to his Son, their new king, is expected and if they rebell against him therre will be a Wo poured out upon them. He then correlates this with Obedience to God and the final judgment and the state of the wicked vs the righteous.
It is yet another wonderful example of something that Joseph Smith would never have put in his book... lol. The idea of using this imagery of a king passing his power to his son, and correlating it with us becoming a member of the kingdom of heaven just wouldn't have been in his paradigm to write in his book. This is a translated work, of ancient authorship by kings/priests and individuals in a different society and with different concens but with the gospel of Jesus Christ taught plainly from their point of view.
Furthermore, it is a parallel and a waning to us as well. Just as King Benjamin taught his sons, and his people and thus became clean from the blood and sins of his sons and his people. So we should be a waning voice to all those around us, our children, our co-workers, and all that we know that it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ and authorized ordinances that an individual can receive a remission of their sins. Thus saving them, and ourselves from the responsibility of being a waning voice to them.
15 Charge concening all affairs of kingdom
16 Charge concening records,
plates of brass, plates of Nephi, sword of Laban, ball or director
17 Mosiah gathers the people to hear his father
Interesting point of note:
No mention is made here of the Urim and Thumim used to translate the records of the Jaradites.
Mosiah received them with the records of the Brother of Jared Ether 3:27-28, Ether 4:1,5
We know that Mosiah father of Benjamin translated a stone by gift and power of God probably through the Urim and Thumim. Omni 1:20
This instrument is used in Mosiah Mosiah 8:13-19 as a means of translating ancient records and Mosiah Benjamin's son has them.
Did Mosiah himself go and proclaim to the people?
Mosiah 2:1-2
Mosiah sent a proclamation throughout the land - that they should all gather together.
The people had multiplied exceedingly, and waxed great - they were not numbered
Mosiah 2:3-6
3-4 They took firstlings of flocks to offer sacrifice and bunt offerings according to Law of Moses
Interesting Note:
Firstlings of flocks are not part of bunt offerings.. but rather for peace offerings.
Under Mosaic law the firstlings (i.e.. firstbon animals) of flocks and herds were dedicated to the Lord (Exodus 13:12, 15) and were given to the Levites. The Israelites were forbidden from using them for work or gain (Deuteronomy 15:19-20) and were required to bring them to the temple during their pilgrimage festivals, where they would be sacrificed (Deuteronomy 12:5-6). Their blood was sprinkled upon the altar and their fat was buned (Numbers 18:17-18). What was left then was given to the individual and his family to eat that same day (Deuteronomy 15:19-20)).
However, the mere mention of "bunt offerings" in this biblical passage clearly implies animals other than firstlings, even if no other animals are explicitly mentioned. Similarly, it is reasonable to interpret the Mosiah 2:3 reference to "sacrifice and bunt offerings" as an allusion to two distinct forms of sacrifice--the sacrifice of firstlings in the so-called peace offering and the bunt offering taken from other animals. Thus, the Nephites, in accordance with the legal prescriptions of Mosaic law, "took of the firstlings of their flocks, that they might offer sacrifice" and they also took other animals to offer as "bunt offerings according to the law of Moses"
You will also note that they did not have any Levites, or sons of Aaron to perform these ordinance/sacrifices for them. This is by inference the need for the Melchizedek Priesthood, or the Aaronic Priesthood except without lineage as we currently have.
5-6 They came up to the temple - and pitched their tents as families - from the eldest to the youngest - every family separate
They pitched their tents with the door thereof towards the temple - that they might remain in their tents and hear the words
King Benjamin's Address to his people - Part 1: Mosiah 2-3
Why have I called you to the temple today? To declare that my son is now your king! Mosiah 1:10
2:10 Not to trifle with my words - mysteries of God unfolded to your view
I am just like you
2:11 I am subject to all manner of infirmities of mind and body
I have been allowed to spend my days in your service
2:12 I have served you - and not sought gold or silver
2:13 I haven't confined you in dungeons, or suffered you to commit sin
2:14 I have labored with mine own hands - no taxes
2:15 I don't tell you these things to boast - clear conscience before god
2:16 I have been in the service of God when I have served you
2:17 Lean wisdom - in service of men - in service of God
If I have served you - ought ye not to serve one another?
2:18 Ye have called me your king - I serve you
If you thank me shouldn't you thank your heavenly king?
2:19 If you thank me - how much more should you thank God
2:20-21 if you were to thank him with all your power -
ye would still be unprofitable
2:22 all he requires is that ye obey him - if you do he blesses you and prospers you
2:23 He created you in the first place - you are indebted to him
2:24 if you obey him - he doth bless you - you have been paid - still indebted
2:25
can ye say ought of yourselves? I say nay
2:26 I am no better than ye are - I am about to die
I have called you to assemble: Clear conscience - declare son king
2:27 I have a clear conscience before God and have caused you to assemble
2:28 That I am found blameless before God
2:29
I can no longer be your teacher or king
2:30 I am to weak -
Mosiah is a king over you now
2:31
Obey him as you have obeyed me - enemies shall have no power over you
2:31
Commands of God delivered by him to you
Correlates Obedience to son - like unto obedience to God
There is a wo pronounced upon him who obeys evil spirit
2:33 the same drinketh damnation to his own soul - rebels against god
2:34 there are none among you but children - who have not been taught
2:35 scriptures teach us these things
After you know and are taught - comes in open rebellion against God
2:36-37 This man becomes an enemy to all righteousness - Lord has no place in him
2:38-39 That man will be in endless torment - mercy has no claim on him
Remember the awfulness of transgression - and happiness of obedient
2:40 All old, young and children - remember awful state of wicked
2:41 Remember the happy and blessed state of the obedient - saved in heaven
He then takes this idea that obedience/rebellion correlate with rightousness and wickedness, and teaches of the comming of Jesus Christ.
He leads them from a secular position of accepting and obeying his son as King over them - to changing their lives and accepting God as King over them as well. He then correlates rebellion with God and forgiveness through the atonement of Jesus Christ. He emphasises that this is the "Name" under which an individual will be saved and that there is no other "Name" through wich this can occur. This is preparing them to accept and take upon themselves the "Name" of Jesus Christ and be his covenant people!
King Benjamin Prophecies of things to Come: The coming of Jesus Christ!
An angel appeared to him and told him these things
3:1-4 Angel woke him up and told him these tidings of great Joy
Jesus Christ shall dwell in a body and heal many people
3:5 The Lord shall come down and dwell in tabenacle of clay - go among men
Healing sick, raising dead, causing lame to walk, blind see, curing all
3:6 Cast out devils - evil spirits in hearts of men
He shall atone for the sins of the men
3:7 Suffer temptations, pain of body, hunger thirst, more than man can suffer
Blood cometh from every poor - anguish for sin
3:8 He shall be called Jesus Christ - son of God - Father of heaven and earth
His mother shall be called Mary
3:9 He cometh that salvation might come unto children of men - through faith
They shall crucify him
3:10 He shall rise the third day from the dead - judgement come upon men
There are requirements for receipt of a remission of their sins
3:11 His blood atoneth for the sins of those through adams transgression
Not knowing will of god
3:12 Wo unto him who knoweth and rebelleth against God
3:13
Receive a remission of sins - even as though he had already come
The Law of Moses Given unto men
3:14 His people were stiffnecked - so Law of Moses appointed
3:15 Law of Moses has many types and shadows - pointing to his atonement
3:16
Little children can not sin - and they are saved through Christ
3:17 No other name given by which man can be saved
3:18
Infant perisheth not that dieth in infancy - they do as they rebel
3:19
Natural man is an enemy to god - unless he putteth off the natural man
The Knowledge of a Savor will spread throughout every nation tongue and people
3:20-21 None will be blameless that know of a savor - save little children
3:22
When you teach your people they are no longer blameless either
3:23-24 I have told you - and stand blameless before you - they are a witness
3:25-27 Every man is either evil/good by their own choices - judgment is just
Conclusion:
I think this is an excelent example of how a king can use the passing of Power from himself to his son as an example of becoming a member of the kingdom of God. It is an interesting correlation and King Benjamin does a great Job in explaining that obedience to his Son, their new king, is expected and if they rebell against him therre will be a Wo poured out upon them. He then correlates this with Obedience to God and the final judgment and the state of the wicked vs the righteous.
It is yet another wonderful example of something that Joseph Smith would never have put in his book... lol. The idea of using this imagery of a king passing his power to his son, and correlating it with us becoming a member of the kingdom of heaven just wouldn't have been in his paradigm to write in his book. This is a translated work, of ancient authorship by kings/priests and individuals in a different society and with different concens but with the gospel of Jesus Christ taught plainly from their point of view.
Furthermore, it is a parallel and a waning to us as well. Just as King Benjamin taught his sons, and his people and thus became clean from the blood and sins of his sons and his people. So we should be a waning voice to all those around us, our children, our co-workers, and all that we know that it is through the atonement of Jesus Christ and authorized ordinances that an individual can receive a remission of their sins. Thus saving them, and ourselves from the responsibility of being a waning voice to them.