Book of Mormon Lesson 34 (Helaman 1–6)
August 14-20
The books of Alma and Helaman cover the history of the Nephites for the first century BC. Each book takes about one half of that century—Alma the first half and the book of Helaman the second half.
. ALMA HELAMAN
Dates 90 thru 51 BC 52 to 1 BC
Years 39 51
Chapters 63 16
Pages 160 38
The Nephite Pride Cycle
Mormon devoted three chapters of Helaman—one-fifth of the book—to just 3 of its 51 years. The reason for this is that during this time of extreme instability the book of Helaman illustrates the main themes of the entire Nephite history—one of which was the Nephite pride cycle.
The Nephites moved rapidly from righteousness, peace and prosperity, through pride and wickedness, to periods of destruction and suffering. In these circumstances, they were compelled to be humble and to repent, which helped them to achieve again a state of righteousness and prosperity. From there, the cycle repeated itself.
INTERNAL STRIFE AMONG THE NEPHITES
Contention for the Judgment Seat
At the death of Pahoran, the chief judge, there began to be a serious contention over who should be appointed to the judgment-seat (Helaman 1:1–7). Pahoran, the chief judge, died, and three of his sons—Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni—contended for the judgment seat (vv. 1–4). We read in verses 5–7 how Paanchi and Pacumeni each responded when Pahoran was chosen to be chief judge.
The results of Paanchi’s rebellion (Helaman 1:8–12). Capital punishment was the accepted punishment for treason (v. 8). Those who seek to circumvent the law for power are willing to resort to violence to get their way (v. 9).
After Pacumeni became chief judge, the Lamanites came to battle against the Nephites (Helaman 1:13–18). The contention over the judgment seat gave the attacking Lamanites a decided advantage against the Nephites because they were unprepared to defend themselves against an outside attack (Helaman 1:18–20).
Coriantumr boldly invaded the center of the Nephite lands but found himself surrounded and was compelled to surrender (Helaman 1:31–33). Moronihah continued the policy of his father, Moroni, toward the Lamanites. He caused “that the Lamanites who had been taken prisoners should depart out of the land in peace” (v. 33).
Rise of the Gadianton Robbers (Helaman 2:1–14)
Daniel H. Ludlow said, “The introduction to the band of Gadianton (see also known as the ‘Gadianton Robbers’) would indicate that this group was organized by Kishkumen. However, upon the death of Kishkumen, ‘Gadianton, who was exceeding expert in many words, and also in his craft, to carry on the secret work of murder and of robbery . . . became the leader of the band of Kishkumen’ (Helaman 2:4). Gadianton then led his followers into the wilderness, and they are not mentioned again in the record for several years. But, as Mormon promised, ‘more of this Gadianton shall be spoken hereafter’” (Helaman 2:12).1
Contrast the motives and methods of Pacumeni with those of Paanchi and his followers in resolving conflicts (Helaman 2:4–5; 1:6–9), in particular note the objectives of secret combinations ( v. 8 ).
Mormon gives us a preview of other things: “In the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the over-throw, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi” (Helaman 2:13–14). He explains that he means the end of the Book of Mormon and not the end of the book of Nephi. Compare this with the comment by Moroni that secret combinations “have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking [the Jaredites], and also the destruction of the people of Nephi” (Ether 8:21).
President Ezra Taft Benson said, “Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up and upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations.”2
Gadianton, who was “exceedingly expert in many words, and also in his craft,” became the leader of the band of Kishkumen by promising them something (Helaman 2:4–5, 8). People are sometimes influenced by flattery and the promise of power.
CONVERTS AND PRIDE
Helaman 3 covers about 11 years of Nephite history. During those 11 years, the Nephites experienced periods of peace and periods of contention.
The Migration Northward (Helaman 3:1–8)
Contention and dissension arose among the Nephites (v. 3), leading to a migration northward of those who wished to escape these conflicts. It is not known how early the northward migration of the Nephites began (v. 8 ). It could have been as early as the migration mentioned in Helaman 3:8. However, that could have been a limited migration, and the further spread northward could have happened much later.
Cement among the Nephites (Helaman 3:7–11)
Dr. Hugh Nibley said, “The mention of cement in the Book of Mormon . . . has been considered [a] great . . . anachronism . . . But within the last ten years or so much has been made of the surprising extent to which the ancient Americans used cement, concrete, and gypsum in their building operations. . . . Overlavish detail . . . extremely high relief, and the tendency to round off all angles in the heavy and serpentine profusion of line . . . is so characteristic of some early American architectural adornment . . . the direct heritage of a time when the builders worked in the yielding and plastic medium of cement (Tatiana Proskouriakoff, An Album of Maya Architecture Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1963, xv-xvi).”3
A Period of Spiritual and Temporal Prosperity (Helaman 3:17–23)
From the 46th to the 48th year of the reign of the judges (46–44 BC ) there were great contentions and wars. In the 48th year these problems diminished, and in the 49th year there was continual peace except for the presence of the Gadianton robbers in the more settled parts of the land.
During the period when Helaman (son of Helaman) was chief judge, contention diminished among the Nephites long enough that spiritual and temporal prosperity increased substantially (Helaman 3:24–32). The blessings poured out upon them were so great that “even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure” (v. 25).
Mormon saw three great lessons in this increase of prosperity:
— The Lord is merciful to those who, in sincerity, call on his holy name (v. 27).
— The gate of heaven is open to all who believe in Jesus Christ (v. 28).
The word of God has three effects:
— It divides asunder the cunning and the wiles of the devil (v. 29).
— It leads the “man of Christ” in a straight and narrow course across the gulf of misery (v. 29).
— It helps to land faithful men’s immortal souls at the right hand of God (v. 30).
The result, says Mormon, was . . .
— There was “continual rejoicing” (v. 31).
— There was “peace and exceeding great joy” in the land (v. 32).
Rising Pride and Persecution
In the 51st year, some Church members began to persecute others (Helaman 3:33–34, 36).
We learn much from how the humble Nephite Saints responded to the persecution and affliction, and the results: (Helaman 3:35)
RESPONSE TO PERSECUTIONS:
Fasting
Prayer
Increased humility and faith
Yielding their hearts to God
RESULTS:
Consolation
Joy
Sanctification
The Principle of Sanctification (Helaman 3:35).
Sanctification is a process whereby fallen man is enabled to become pure, holy, and eventually free from sin (D&C 76:41; D&C 88:74–75).
We learn from Helaman 3:35 that the main requirements for sanctification are:
— Fasting and praying oft.
— Waxing strong in humility.
— Increasing the firmness of our faith in Christ.
— Yielding our hearts unto God.
The scriptures indicate that the Holy Ghost is the major catalyst in producing this vital change. Thus the Spirit can be called a sanctifier or cleanser. How much it cleanses or purifies depends on the obedience of the convert (2 Nephi 31:17; Alma 13:11–12; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moroni 6:4).
LAMANITES & DISSENTERS DEFEAT THE NEPHITES
Transgression Leads to Tragedy
During the following years, the Nephites continued in pride and persecuted the righteous (Helaman 4:1–5). This resulted in . . .
—Further contention and even greater sins.
—Dissenters being driven out from the land.
—Dissenters allying themselves with the Lamanites, and inciting them to war against the Nephites.
—The Lamanites conquering many Nephite lands, including the land of Zarahemla.
—The loss of many lives.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “Disputation, debates, dissensions, arguments, controversies, quarrels, and strife or contention of any sort have no part in the gospel; they are of the devil. The gospel is one of peace, harmony, unity, and agreement.”4
The Nephites suffered great losses during this war (Helaman 4:11–13) because . . .
—They were proud because they were rich.
—They withheld their substance from the poor, mocked sacred things, denied the spirit of revelation, murdered, lied, stole, plundered. and committed adultery.
Moronihah, Nephi, and Lehi preached to the Nephites, who began to repent and regained half of their lands and possessions (Helaman 4:14–26).
Motivated by Fear: The Nephites were willing to listen to Moronihah, Nephi, and Lehi because they were afraid and realized they could be destroyed by the Lamanites (vv. 20, 24).
Weakened by Wickedness: They began to realize that they had forgotten the commandments and were weak because of their wickedness.
Left to Their Own Strength: Because of their “wickedness, and their boastings, they were left in their own strength.” The Lord no longer protected them.
THE MINISTRY OF NEPHI AND LEHI
Righteousness Can Rescue a Nation
Nephi and Lehi were sons of Helaman (Helaman 3:20–21; 4:14; 5:4–5). Nephi the son of Helaman was one of the greatest prophets in the Book of Mormon. He was also a descendant of many faithful prophets:
Alma—>Alma the Younger—>Helaman—>Helaman II—>Nephi
Nephi became chief judge upon the death of Helaman (Helaman 3:37). But Nephi gave up the judgment-seat because the laws established by the voice of the people had become corrupt and most of the people were evil (Helaman 5:1–4 ). He decided, as Alma had done, that he could better serve the people by preaching the word of God. His brother Lehi also dedicated the rest of his life to preaching.
Generally, the Lamanites had become more righteous than the Nephites (v. 4 ).
“Remember, Remember My Sons”
In the Book of Mormon there are over 240 instances of the word “remember” or forms of it. 15 of these instances are in Helaman 5.
Helaman had counseled his sons to remember who they are (Helaman 5:5–7). He also wrote concerning the impact of a name (vv. 6–7 ). They were advised to remember their great ancestors—Lehi and Nephi—after whom they were named.
He also counseled them to remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ (Helaman 5:8–12). The atonement of Jesus Christ is the most important thing to remember (v. 9). We need to build upon the rock of Christ so we can withstand the mighty winds and storms that Satan sends upon us (v. 12; 3 Nephi 14:24–27).
Righteousness is best preserved in the home, which is where Helaman taught his sons (Helaman 5:13).
The Importance of Following Counsel
Helaman’s sons remembered their father’s counsel and followed it (Helaman 5:14–16). Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “The great test that confronts us, as in every age when the Lord has a people on earth, is whether we will give heed to the words of his living oracles and follow the counsel and direction they give for our day and time.”5 As a result of their obedience, they experienced great success among the Lamanites (Helaman 5:17–19).
It was important for the Lamanites to reject “the wickedness of the traditions of their fathers” (vv. 19, 51; Mosiah 1:5). Elder Richard G. Scott said, “I testify that you will remove barriers to happiness and find greater peace as you make your first allegiance your membership in the Church of Jesus Christ, and His teachings the foundation of your life. Where family or national traditions or customs conflict with the teachings of God, set them aside. Where traditions and customs are in harmony with His teachings, they should be cherished and followed to preserve your culture and heritage. There is one heritage that you need never change. It is that heritage that comes from your being a daughter or son of Father in Heaven.”6
A Familiar Prison (Helaman 5:20–21)
Daniel H. Ludlow said, “During their missionary journey to the Lamanites, Nephi and Lehi are thrown into the same prison in which Ammon and his brethren were cast by the servants of Limhi. . . . Thus we find that Nephi and Lehi are doing missionary work in the land of Lehi-Nephi, because this is where Ammon and his brethren were thrown into prison by King Limhi (Mosiah 7:2–7).”7
Miracles attended their preaching: (Helaman 5:22–34)
— They were surrounded by fire which did not harm them (v. 23).
— The prison walls shook three times as if they might tumble down (vv. 27, 31, 33).
— A voice was heard from heaven three times commanding the people to repent and to cease persecuting Lord’s servants (vv. 29, 32, 33).
— A cloud of darkness-overshadowed those assembled near the prison, making it impossible for the Lamanites to flee “because of the fear which did come upon them” (v. 34).
Aminadab’s Witness (Helaman 5:35–41)
More miracles occurred among the converted Lamanites (Helaman 5:42–49). All were encircled by fire and yet not harmed, and they heard a “pleasant voice” calling them to peace (v. 46). They saw the heavens open and angels descended from heaven and ministered unto them. They were also filled with the Holy Ghost and with fire and spoke unspeakable words. The three hundred persons who “saw and heard these things” were the society of converted Lamanites from whom Samuel the Lamanite later came (v. 49).
Their converts went “throughout all the regions round about,” testifying of what they had heard and seen. Many Lamanites were convinced and gave up their weapons of war and their hatred (Helaman 5:49–52; D&C 33:9;D&C 88:81).
Notes:
1. A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 239.
2. A Witness and a Warning: A Modern-Day Prophet Testifies of the Book of Mormon, 6.
3. Since Cumorah, 2nd ed. [1988], 221.
4. Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 160–161.
5. In Conference Report, Apr. 1974, 100; Ensign, May 1974, 71–72.
6. In Conference Report, Apr. 1998, 114; or Ensign, May 1998, 87.
7. A Companion to Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 241.