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

Book of Mormon Commentary
Mosiah Chapter 11
11:64 In times of affliction people often turn to God.
"The voice of the Lord came unto them... saying, Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver
you out of bondage" (65).
"The Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites" so that Alma and his people, with their
flocks and grain, traveled a day's journey and pitched their tents for a night's rest before the Lamanites
awoke. Then the Lord warned them that they should flee, "for the Lamanites have awoke and do pursue
thee" (73). They then traveled twelve more days, and arrived in the land of Zarahemla. King Mosiah
received them with joy.
Mos 11:81 And it came to pass that Mosiah did read, and caused to be read, the records of Zeniff to his
people; yea, he read the records of the people of Zeniff, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla
until they returned again.
11:81 He also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and the people "were struck with wonder and
amazement" with these accounts. They realized God had delivered his people out of the hands of the
wicked Lamanites, and they "did raise their voices, and give thanks to God" (86).
CHURCHES WERE ESTABLISHED, VER. 88-104
Mos 11:92 And Alma did speak unto them, when they were assembled together in large bodies, and he
went from one body to another preaching unto the people repentance and faith on the Lord.
11:92 The children of the wicked priests who took the twenty-four Lamanite girls for wives were
ashamed of the conduct of Amulon and their fathers. They took upon themselves the name of Nephi and
were numbered among the Nephites. All of the groups living in Zarahemla were now called Nephites.
When Alma had "taught the people many things," King Limhi asked for baptism, then all his people
wished to be baptized. Alma followed the pattern he had established at the waters of Mormon.
Mos 11:97 And it came to pass that King Mosiah granted unto Alma, that he might establish churches
throughout all the land of Zarahemla; and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every
church.
11:97 There were so many believers that they could not be led by one teacher, nor could all hear one
speaker. Therefore they were assembled in seven bodies, called churches, over which Alma appointed
priests and teachers (98, 99). All those willing "to take upon them the name of Christ, or of God" were
members of the church.
Mos 11:104 And the Lord did pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in
the land.
11:104 When people turn to God in faith and keep his commandments, he is always ready to bless them.
Unlike humans who waver in their devotion, going from the valley of despair to the heights of glory
then sliding back to the valley again, our God is unchangeable. His blessings do not depend on his
momentary mood. (See I N. 1:116; II N. 1:18.)