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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 16
acco1lding to his deeds, and .'prospered according to his genius, ...conquered according to his
strength; and whatsoever a man did, was no crime" (18). This justified the doctrine that “might
makes right," but led to anarchy.
Alma 16:19 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up
their heads in their wickedness; yea, leading away many women and also men, to commit whoredoms;
telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.
Men are easily led to accept a doc- trine which gives license to their lusts and sensual pleasures.
Civilization has progressed and established a better life for all mankind in proportion to man's
acceptance of moral responsibility .It degenerates as men lack respect for personality in
themselves and in others. When men accept the notion that "this life ends all," those men are on
the road to personal degeneration and national decay.
KORIHOR REJECTED IN JERSHON AND GIDEON" VER. 20-37
Alma 16:21 But behold, they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound
him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people.
Ammon ordered him to be "carried out of the land" (22). Korihor then preached in the land of
Gideon, but "here he did not have much success," They bound him and took him "before the high
priest [Giddonah], and also the chief judge over the land" (23, 24) .They questioned him and
listened to his many false claims and false teachings as he presented his choicest sophistry ,
When their officers "saw the hardness of his heart ...they would not make any reply." They had
him bound and taken to Zarahemla before Alma and the "chief judge [Nephihah ] (2:24), who was
governor over all the land" (37).
ALMA OBTAINED A SIGN FOR KORIHOR, VER. 38- 77
Alma 16:38 And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he did go
on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.
Korihor reviled "the priests and teachers," accusing them of priestcraft and "glutting in the labors
of the people" (39). Alma said that he had always labored with his own hands for his support, even
though he had traveled much, Not "one senine" had he received from the people, and neither had
any of his brethren (41).
Alma asked Korihor if he believed in God or the coming of Christ. He answered in the negative,
Alma bore his own testimony and reminded Korihor that he had received a testimony, "1 know
that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God,
.”but the devil has power over you" (51).
Alma 16:52 And now Korihor said unto Alma, If thou wilt shew me a sign, that I may be convinced that
there is a God, yea, shew unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy
words.