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Book of Mormon Commentary
Helaman Chapter 2
Satan had great hold on the hearts of most of the Nephites, who entered into covenants by oaths to
"protect and preserve one another" under all conditions (145). They used secret signs and
passwords to identify members of the band. If any of them should reveal the deeds of the gang or
betray their secrets, they would be dealt with as the band decreed (148).
These secret oaths were not original with Gadianton but were from the same source as was at work
in the Garden of Eden, in the slaying of Abel, and in building the tower to reach heaven (150-154).
Hel 2:161 And thus we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in unbelief, and grow in wickedness
and abominations, while the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge of their God; yea,
they did begin to keep his statutes and commandments, and to walk in truth and uprightness before him.
The Lord with- drew his spirit from the Nephites, but he poured it out on the Lamanites "because
of their easiness and willingness to believe in his word" (163). As a result the Lamanites hunted
out the Gadianton robbers and preached "the word of God among the more wicked part of them"
and broke up the gang completely among the Lamanites (164).
The Nephites were nurturing the gang at the same time, until it resulted in anarchy among them
(165, 166). Thus we see how low the once mighty people of Mosiah, Alma, and Moroni were
brought down because of pride and iniquity.