Alma 52 - Helaman 8
The Army of Helaman Forms.
- Lamanites had begun to take possession of some of the Nephite lands. The Nephites needed help - but the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had made the covenant to not fight anymore.
- In verse 16 we see the beginning of the formation of the Army of Helaman.
- Description of them in verses 20-23
- The Webster 1850 Dictionary defines “Stripling” as:
- A youth in the state of adolescence, or just passing from boyhood to manhood; a lad.
- These are going to be like the teachers in your ward. Maybe some priests. That’s who these young men were.
2,000 Stripling Warriors.
- 56:17, 19, 44-48, 54-56
- 2,060 – 57: 5-6, 20-21, 25-27
- 58:11-12, 33 + 37
Moroni’s Epistle to Pahoran
- Chapter 59: Moroni is pretty upset with Pahoran. He isn’t sure why things aren’t being sent, and why they aren’t getting the help that they were anticipating. He writes a kind - yet firm, letter to Pahoran.
- Chapter 60: Pahoran writes back and explains that the people have come against the government and are trying to overthrow everything.
- Moroni leaves and comes to help Pahoran with the situation. They were successful and they were able to get things under control again.
Nephites vs Lamanites
- The Book of Helaman is actually the Son of Helaman. So he begins this book. We learn immediately about the darkness that is happening all around. One of my favorite verses is Helaman 3:23.
- They had been going through this period where the Nephites were extremely righteous and prospering. Then by Helaman 4 the Nephites are now weak like the Lamanites when they are fighting.
- Then they repent and do well for a while, then cycle back down. It’s constant up and down through a lot of these chapters.
Nephi + Lehi (The Son's of Helaman)
- Helaman (the son of Helaman) gets old, and gives the land and everything over to his sons Nephi and Lehi. They are great missionaries.
- Chapter 5 verses 6-7 – family history.
- Then verses 9 - 12
- Nephi and Lehi go and teach. They are reject and everyone is very unhappy with them. Verse 23, 24, 26.
- Voice comes 3 times. 31, 32, 33
- Some repent and are encircled with fire along with Nephi and Lehi.
- Nephi and Lehi have done great missionary work and the Nephites and Lamaites are living and working side by side.
Exceedingly Wicked
- Three years into that situation - they became exceedingly wicked.
- Secret murderers and robbing and other things begin to take hold of these people. Chapter 6, verses 21, 27, 28, 29 - all of it is Satan.
- Chapter 6:34, 36
- Chapter 7 and 8 are the beginning of the Lamaintes being the righteous people.
- Verse 7 - how many times do we wish that? However, Nephi went through a LOT of really hard things. Sometimes the grass seems greener - but it’s important to remember it’s not.
Prophets Called by God
- Chapter 8: 10-20
- The importance of prophets who are led by God.
