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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 19
CORIANTON REBUKED FOR HIS SINS, VER, 1-20
Alma 19:4 Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength, and thy
wisdom.
No doubt Alma's youngest son knew and dreaded what was coming to him in this talk by his aging
father. Holding up Shiblon as "a good example" because of his faithfulness and diligence on the
mission to the Zoramites might have been justified under the circumstances, for there is no record
of it creating fraternal antagonism.
Then Alma revealed that which had caused him even more grief. Corianton had forsaken his
ministry for a harlot (5). This was "most abominable above all sins, save it be the shedding of
innocent blood, or denying the Holy Ghost." Jacob (5:33) speaks of the "unpardonable sin" and
Alma said it was denying "the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you" (Alma 19:8). Next
.to this rank murder and adultery. "It is not easy. ..to obtain forgiveness" for such crimes.
Alma 19:12 But behold, ye can not hide your crimes from God; and except ye repent, they will stand as
a testimony against you at the last day.
Alma told his son that the only reason for speaking of his crimes was for his good (11). "Go no
more after the lusts of your eyes, but cross yourself" (13). Jesus warned against committing
adultery with a woman through lustful eyes (Matthew 5: 30). In latter-day revelation He adds that
he who is guilty of this, and repents not, "shall deny the faith and. .. be cast out" (D. and C. 42:7d,
e; 63:5a).
To "cross yourself" in this instance might be interpreted “to deny yourself" (see Matthew 16:26).
Alma 19:17 Behold, O my son, how great iniquity ye brought upon the Zoramites: for when they saw
your conduct, they would not believe in my words.
This is a far-reaching indictment, and is just as true today as two thousand years ago. We are our
brother's keeper, and cannot escape the responsibility £or the influence we bear. Alma pleaded
with Corianton to return unto the Zoramites "and acknowledge your faults, and retain that wrong
which ye have done" (20).
The word "retain" once carried the meaning of "prevent” or "restrain”. He was not asked to keep
his faults, but to confess and forsake or deny or restrain his impulses.
CHRIST'S MISSION IS EXLAINED, VER. 21-56
Alma 19:22 Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come, to take away the sins of the
world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.
Alma now moves to a subject which was near his heart. He reminds his son that he was called to
declare the glad tidings of salvation, and prepare men for Christ's coming.
He sensed that Corianton had been troubled by anticipating Christ's advent. "Behold, you marvel
why these things should be known so long beforehand” (24). Some investigators of the