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

Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 13
Alma 13:18 Nevertheless, Aaron, and a certain number of his brethren, were taken and cast into prison,
and the remainder of them fled out of the land of Middoni, unto the regions round about.
This brings us again to the point previously reported where Ammon and King Lamoni found them
hungry, faint, and naked, and obtained their release. “And they went forth again to declare the
word" (20). These men had suffered much for preaching the gospel already; however, they did not
hesitate to carry on their mission. They went "whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of God”
(21).
"The Lord began to bless them" (22), and they brought many to a knowledge of the truth and to
repentance from their sins.
CHURCHES BUILT UP IN ISHMAEL AND NEPHI, VER. 23-66
Alma 13:23 And it came to pass that Ammon and Lamoni returned from the land of Middoni, to the
land of Ishmael, which was the land of their inheritance.
Soon after. their return, the king called his people together "and he did teach them many things"
(25). He told them that his father had given him full control over "Ishmael, and in all the land
round about”, (26). They were therefore free from oppression, and had the liberty of worship
according to their desires (27).
Alma 13:29 And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and
they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.
While Ammon continued to labor in Ishmael, Aaron and his brethren went to Nephi and called at
,the palace of Lamoni's father, the king. They introduced themselves as "the brethren of Ammon,"
and offered to be his servants. The king refused this offer, "but I will insist that ye shall administer
unto me' , (33). Then the king asked why Ammon had not come with them (34). Aaron said,
"Behold the Spirit of the Lord has called him another way; he has gone to the land of Ishmael, to
teach the people of Lamoni" (35).
The king then asked what was meant by "the Spirit of the Lord. Behold, this is the thing which
doth trouble me" (36). He inquired also about what Ammon meant by repenting and being saved,
otherwise they would be "cast off at the last day" (37). Aaron asked him, "Believest thou that there
is a God ?" The king replied, "If now thou sayest there is a God, behold, I will believe" (39). " As
thou livest, O king, there is a God." Then Aaron began to teach him concerning the creation of
Adam, the plan of redemption prepared from the foundation of the world, the atonement, and
resurrection.
"What shall I do, that I may have this eternal life? ...that I may be born of God. ..and receive his
Spirit. ..that I may not be cast off at the last day?" The king then added, "I will give up all that I
possess; yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy." Aaron answered, "If
thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins. ..then shalt thou receive the
hope which thou desirest" (51).