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Book of Mormon Commentary
Helaman Chapter 5
Even should they "dwindle in unbelief" the time would come when there shall be a "restoration of
our brethren, the Lamanites, again, to the knowledge of the truth. ..in the latter times" (101,102).
However, before this promise would be realized, they would come to have many afflictions and
"be driven to and fro upon the face of the earth." They "shall be hunted, and shall be smitten, and
scattered abroad, having no place for refuge." Nevertheless, the "Lord shall be merciful unto
them” (103, 104) ."I will not utterly destroy them, but I will cause that in the day 0£ my wisdom,
they shall return again unto me, saith the Lord" ( 107) .(See also II N. 3 :6-9, 16; Jb. 2: 52-54.)
MANY BELIEVED AND WERE BAPTIZED, VER. 109-140
Hel 5:110 And as many as believed on his words, went forth and sought for Nephi; and when they had
come forth and found him, they confessed unto him their sins and denied not, desiring that they might be
baptized unto the Lord.
But the unbelievers were angry with Samuel and cast stones and arrows at him. They could not hit
him because of the Lord's protection (111, 112). When some of those "saw that they could not hit
him, there were many more who did believe on his words" and asked Nephi to baptize them (113).
Often when people come under conviction because of the words and ministry of a certain man,
they want him to baptize them. However, Samuel had to flee for his life, and he was never seen
nor heard of again among the Nephites (120). "Nephi was baptizing, and prophesying, and
preaching" nearby, "showing signs and wonders; working miracles" and witnessing "that the
Christ must shortly come," so they went to him for baptism (114-116).
Hel 5:125 But it came to pass in the ninetieth year of the reign of the Judges, there were great signs
given unto the people, and wonders; and the words of the prophets began to be fulfilled;
Angels did appear unto men, wise men, and did declare unto them glad tidings of great joy" (126).
Nevertheless, all but the most devout hardened their hearts “and began to depend upon their own
strength" (127).
Hel 5:131 Yea, why will he not shew himself in this land, as well as in the land of Jerusalem?
Because of their darkened minds, they could see only problems. Faultfinding comes easy when the
spirit of God has been withdrawn from people. They "will keep us down to be servants to their
words. ..for we depend upon them to teach us the word. ...Therefore they can keep us in ignorance,
for we can not witness with our own eyes that they are true" (133, 134).
Thus "Satan did stir them up to do iniquity continually. .. and. ..did get great hold upon the hearts
of the people, upon all the face of the land" (138). Some wonder why God tolerates Satan's
interference. It would be so easy for the Supreme Ruler of the universe to cut off the basic source
of evil, it would seem. But agency requires the right of choice. To destroy evil or enticement to
iniquity would change the whole eternal plan. There must be opposition against which to react.
(See comments on II N. 1:97; A. 19:78, 98.) Satan's time is coming when his power will be
"bound [for] ...a thousand years” until the end of the millennium. Then he shall "be loosed a little
season” (Rev. 20:2, 3).