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

Book of Mormon Commentary
3 Nephi Chapter 3
PEACE GIVES WAY TO PERSECUTIONS AND INEQUALITY, VER. 1-30
3 Ne 3:4 And they granted unto those robbers who had entered into a covenant to keep the peace of the
land, who were desirous to remain Lamanites, lands, according to their numbers, that they might have,
with their labors, wherewith to subsist upon; and thus they did establish peace in all the land.
The Nephites stayed on in their g3ithered state for five years after the war ended. In A.D. 26 they
returned "to their own lands" with their flocks, herds, horses, cattle, "and all things whatsoever did
belong unto them" (1). They still had provisions in store, and this was distributed, also their gold,
silver, and "all their precious things" (2).
"They began again to prosper and wax great" (5).
3 Ne 3:7 And now it was Gidgiddoni, and the judge Lachoneus, and those who had been appointed
leaders, who had established this great peace in the land.
This does not mean that they were denying divine favor, but that God used these leaders as
instruments for the blessing of the people. "There were many cities built anew," old ones were
repaired, many highways were cast up connecting their cities and lands (8).
A change was noted in A.D. 29: "There began to be some disputings among the people" (10).
Pride, boastings of great riches, "even unto great persecutions" are noted. The people began to be
distinguished by ranks according to their riches "and their chances for learning" (11,12). "Some
were ignorant because of their poverty" (13).
Extremes were in evidence: "Some were lifted up in pride. and others were exceeding humble."
Some would return railing, and others would endure afflictions without responding in kind (14).
3 Ne 3:15 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be
broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land, save it were
among a few of the Lamanites, who were converted unto the true faith;
With the exception of "a few of the Lamanites, who were converted unto the true faith," the
church was broken up in A.D. 30 over all the land. "Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of
the people" to do iniquity, to be puffed up with pride, to seek for power and authority, and for "the
vain things of the world" (17).
'They were in a state of awful wickedness" (19).
3 Ne 3:20 Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had
been taught unto them; therefore they did willfully rebel against God.
There is more hope for those who sin in their ignorance. The law of Moses provided that one
could be forgiven by making a sin offering (Lev. 4:2-4; Num. 15:25-31; Luke 12:57; Acts 17:30;
A. 15:56). However, willful rebellion against God is a very serious offense (Num. 20:24-26; Deut.
1:26-35; Matt. 12:27). Sin against the Holy Ghost “when it has once had place in you, ...is
unpardonable" (A. 19:8; Heb. 6:4-6).