[They] Did Execute Judgment in Righteousness

Ether 7 (Éter 7) In the first five verses of the chapter, we are three generations removed from Jared and his brother. That’s all it took for their children to be brought into captivity. It was the king who was brought into captivity. Perhaps this is why everyone except Orihah rejected the opportunity to be …

Stones to Shine in Darkness

Ether 6 (Éter 6) I am struck by the profound significance and symbolism of verse 3: And thus the Lord caused stones to shine in darkness, to give light unto men, women, and children, that they might not cross the great waters in darkness. This conjures up the symbolism or spiritual definition of Light in …

How Blessed Were They!

4 Nephi 1 This is the “Zion” chapter in the Book of Mormon; the only glimpse we get into what it would be like to belong to a celestial society and what it takes for us to achieve such peace. After the complete conversion of all the remaining Nephites and Lamanites, so that all were …

Look Upon Zion, the City of Our Solemnities

Isaiah 33 Again continuing with prophecies of forthcoming events, Isaiah starts this chapter playing around with the theme of spoils. He first speaks of those who dedicate themselves to the spoiling of others, and decrees that such will become their end: spoiled and dealt with treacherously. But then Isaiah talks about the Lord’s spoils in …

The Work of Righteousness Shall Be Peace

Isaiah 32 There is much to make note of in this chapter. This is another chapter of prophecy looking forward to the time preceding and at the Second Coming of our Lord. Christ is declared here as a King that shall reign in righteousness, with others serving around him as princes. This is a preview …

Divided into Tribes

3 Nephi 7 So here in the midst of chaos and virtual anarchy among the people (i.e. people divided into tribes; government overthrown), Nephi continues in his righteousness, being richly blessed of the Lord. The account says that Nephi did minister with great power and authority among the people. The people in turn became angry …

“They Did Maintain Peace”

Alma 46:13-37 Captain Moroni, through very deliberate action against those that sought to alter the free government of the people, was able to maintain peace. He rallied the people to arms. He actively went after those who sought to destroy their government. He saw the disadvantage that it would be to lose the Amalikiahites to …