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Book of Mormon Commentary
Mosiah Chapter 2
knowledge. For Benjamin, it is probable that he does not make the distinction between faith and
knowledge that modern man does. For Benjamin, growing in faith and growing in knowledge
would be the same thing – both leading to a continuation of the feeling of joy they can yet taste.
Benjamin describes a series of attributes that describe one who has continued in humility and
faith. He is now describing the actions that will flow from the spiritual humility and acceptance of
the gospel. What is most interesting is that while all of these actions may be construed
individually, they are all social actions.
GIVE TO THE POOR AND THE BEGGAR, VER. 25- 50
Mos 2:28 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer
of your substance unto him that standeth in need;
2: 28 King Benjamin was exhorting the people to look well to the care of their children. They are
not to "go hungry, or naked" (25). They must not "fight and quarrel one with another" (26); but ye
will teach them "to wa1k in the ways of truth and soberness" (27) .
If this advice is followed, the people will find cause to rejoice in their children.
The king then counsels his people not to permit "that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in
vain" ( 29). He cautions against those who withhold because "the man has brought upon himself
his misery... his punishments are just" (30). Are you in a position to judge? "Are we not all
beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same being, even God, for all the substance which we
have?" (32).
King Benjamin finally advises his people that the only justifiable course is for them to say in their
hearts, "I give not because I have not; but if I had, I would give" (40).
Mos 2:30 Perhaps thou shalt say, The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my
hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance, that he may not
suffer, for his punishments are just.
Mos 2:31 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this, the same hath great cause to repent; and
except he repenteth of that which he hath done, he perisheth for ever, and hath no interest in the
kingdom of God.
2:30-31 Benjamin is now describing the nature of social divisions along economic lines. What
Benjamin tells us is that the way we react to these situations has spiritual implications for us. The
example gives is one of self-justification. This is a person who is unwilling to share of his
substance, and invents reasons to justify his selfishness. God will know those motives, and as
indicated in verse 31, this is held as sin in the person who so justifies withholding his assistance.
Mos 2:33 And behold, even at this time, ye have been calling on his name, and begging for a remission
of your sins.
Mos 2:34 And has he suffered that ye have begged in vain?
Mos 2:35 Nay; he has poured out his Spirit upon you, and has caused that your hearts should be filled
with joy, and has caused that your mouths should be stopped, that ye could not find utterance, so
exceeding great was your joy.