Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Mosiah Chapter 9
The Lord gave instruction to Bishop Edward Partridge in May, 1831, "how to organize this people; for it
must needs be that they are organized according to my laws... Appoint unto this people their portion,
every man equal according to their families, according to their circumstances, and their wants and
needs" (51:1 a, b).
This does not indicate an equality of money or other property, but an equality which is to be based on
the size of the family, their circumstances, and their wants and needs.
The Lord and his kingdom here on earth do not propose that the rich who come into the kingdom shall
be reduced to the least common denominator in earthly possessions, but that out of His abundance the
poor shall be brought to a higher standard of living. There is nothing compulsory in this process; every
man retains his agency. "Let the bishop appoint a storehouse unto this church, and let all things, both in
money and in meat, which is more than is needful for the want of this people, be kept in the hands of the
bishop" (51:4 a). This doubtless was the method that Alma taught the people of the church, for they did
impart “to one another... according to their needs."
Mos 9:69 But behold, it came to pass that the king, having discovered a movement among the people,
sent his servants to watch them.
9:69 Without any effort to determine the quality of the movement, the king accused Alma of stirring up
a rebellion and "sent his army to destroy them" (71). But Alma learned of his plans, and he and about
450 of his disciples took their tents and their families and went "into the wilderness" (72, 73).
NOAH SUFFERS DEFEAT AND DEATH, VER. 74-97
Mos 9:78 And it came to pass that he fought with the king, and when the king saw that he was about to
overpower him, he fled and ran and got upon the tower, which was near the temple.
9:78 The king's army sought in vain to find Alma and his people (74). Some of King Noah's people
breathed out threatenings against him, and there was "a great contention among them" (76). Gideon
followed and was about to slay the king when he saw that the Lamanites were coming to attack. Upon
Noah's pleading, Gideon spared his life. The people fled into the wilderness but were overtaken and a
battle followed. Some of Noah's men had their "fair daughters... plead with the Lamanites, that they
would not slay them" (87). "Charmed with the beauty of their women... the Lamanites did spare their
lives, and took them captives" upon the condition that King Noah be surrendered, and they "deliver up
their property" (88, 89).
Mos 9:93 And it came to pass that Gideon sent men into the wilderness secretly, to search for the king,
and those that were with him.
9:93 They found the people but not the king and his priests. It seems that these deserters among the
people became ashamed of running away from their families and resolved to return to the land of Lehi-
Nephi and fight if necessary. Noah forbade their returning, and this command so angered the people that
they burned him to death, just as Abinadi had prophesied (9:24).
PRIESTS OF NOAH BRING LAMANITES TO WAR, VER. 98-139
Mos 9:98 And it came to pass that they were about to return to the land of Nephi, and they met the men
of Gideon.