Seminary
Helaman 7–10: The Lord’s Prophet

“Helaman 7–10: The Lord’s Prophet,” Book of Mormon Student Manual (2024)

“Helaman 7–10,” Book of Mormon Student Manual

Helaman 7–10

The Lord’s Prophet

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President Russell M. Nelson

In a world filled with conflicting voices, where can we turn for direction and truth? One way the Lord seeks to guide and help us in mortality is by calling a prophet. This lesson can help you understand the critical role prophets play in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Why does God call prophets?

Imagine that one of your friends who is not a member of the Church is surprised to learn that you believe the Lord calls prophets in our day. Your friend wonders why prophets are necessary for our time.

  • What are some ways you could respond to your friend?

Think about your feelings about the Lord’s prophets and your willingness to listen to and follow them. As you study today, you will have opportunities to identify important truths about prophets.

On a blank page in your study journal, write the following heading: Truths about the Lord’s Prophets. Throughout the lesson, write the truths you learn about prophets under this heading.

The prophet Nephi

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Nephi Prays on His Garden Tower, by Jerry Thompson

Today you will learn about Nephi, the son of Helaman. After being rejected by the Nephites in the land northward, Nephi returned to his home in Zarahemla. The people there were also very wicked. Mourning over their wickedness, Nephi went to his garden tower and cried unto God (see Helaman 7:1–11).

Read Helaman 7:12–22, looking for what Nephi said after realizing that people had gathered to hear his cries.

  • What is a truth you could identify about the Lord’s prophets based on what Nephi said in these verses?

One truth you may have identified is that prophets of God invite people to repent. Write this truth in the list in your study journal.

  • What does it teach you about God that He would call prophets to cry repentance?

Many people became angry over Nephi’s message. To help the people understand that he was speaking the truth, Nephi miraculously told them of events that had taken place while he was preaching to them.

Nephi first told the people that their chief judge, Seezoram, had been murdered (see Helaman 8:27–28). The people felt that “Nephi must have agreed with some one to slay the judge” (Helaman 9:16). Nephi then told the people to find Seantum, who was Seezoram’s brother, and ask him certain questions. Nephi told the people exactly how Seantum would respond (see Helaman 9:26–36). This led to Seantum confessing that he was the murderer and that Nephi was innocent (see Helaman 9:37).

Read Helaman 9:37–41, looking for how the people reacted after witnessing these events.

  • What is a truth you learn from Nephi’s experience that you could add to your list?

One truth you may have identified is that the words of the prophets will be fulfilled.

  • Why do you think it is important to know this truth about prophets?

  • What are some other examples of prophets’ words being fulfilled?

Additional truths about prophets

In addition to the truths already identified, many more truths about the role and purpose of the Lord’s prophet are illustrated by Nephi and his interactions with the people. Continue practicing the skill of identifying truths as you study the following scripture passages. Add your findings to your list.

  • Helaman 7:29: Nephi’s declaration to the people who gathered after hearing him pray

  • Helaman 8:1–4: The judges’ reaction to Nephi’s words

  • Helaman 8:22–23: Nephi’s response to the people who reviled against him and his words

  • Helaman 10:5–7: The Lord’s conversation with Nephi after he finished teaching the people

  • What truths about prophets did you find in these verses?

Following are some of the truths you may have identified:

The importance of living prophets

Think back to the scenario from earlier in the lesson about your friend who wondered why prophets are necessary in our time.

  1. Complete the following activity:

    Write a response to your friend that explains why it is important that the Lord calls prophets in our time. Your response should be at least one paragraph long.

    The following questions can help you with your response:

    • How can one or more of the truths you identified help us with the challenges we face?

    • What experiences have helped you recognize the blessing of having living prophets on the earth?