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

Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 4
God commanded his children "that they should gather themselves together oft" (6). Similar advice
is given in Hebrews 10:25; Doctrine and Covenants 17:11 b; 59:2 f-h.
ALMA PREACHES IN THE VALLEY OF GIDEON, VER. 7-10
Alma 4:8 And went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon, there having been a
city built which was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called Gideon, being
called after the man who was slain by the hand of Nehor with the sword.
Conditions had improved in the city of Zarahemla sufficiently for Alma to leave the church in the
care of the elders and priests. He then came to the city of Gideon, which was named for the
Nephite hero slain by Nehor.
Alma 4:9 And Alma went and began to declare the word of God unto the church which was established
in the valley of Gideon, according to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by
his fathers,
There was little use to proselyte new members until the church in each place was in a healthy
spiritual condition. Alma was blessed with "the spirit of prophecy which was in him, according to
the testimony of Jesus Christ." This harmonizes with the word of John, the Revelator: "The
testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation19:10).