Mosiah 18–22

Introduction

The final portion of Zeniff’s record is found in Mosiah 18–22. Mosiah 18 is an account of Alma and his experiences at the Waters of Mormon. After Abinadi’s death, Alma, the young priest of King Noah who had believed Abinadi’s words, taught secretly among the people. Many followed him to the Waters of Mormon, and about two hundred were baptized.

The suffering and death of King Noah and the retribution that came upon his people are described in Mosiah 19–22. These chapters show how Abinadi’s prophecies concerning King Noah were fulfilled.

Several groups of people are mentioned in these chapters. Each group had to choose between righteousness and wickedness and then face the consequences. Those who chose righteousness were blessed, and those who chose wickedness were cursed. As Alma taught, “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10), or as Paul explained, “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life” (Romans 6:23).

Some Important Gospel Principles to Look For

• At baptism we covenant to keep God’s commandments and support and comfort one another. In return, God promises to pour out His Spirit upon us and grant us eternal life (see Mosiah 18:7–13; see also Moroni 4:3; 6:1–6).

• Church leaders, like all Church members, should love the Lord and keep His commandments. Leaders should also encourage members to love one another, teach and serve one another, and impart of their substance to those in need (see Mosiah 18:17–30; see also Moses 7:18–21).

• The word of the Lord through His prophets will always be fulfilled (see Mosiah 19:15, 20; 20:21; 21:2–4, 15; see also Mosiah 11:23–24; 12:1–5; 17:17–18; D&C 1:37–38).

• Wickedness brings suffering. As we humbly make and keep gospel covenants and repent of our sins, the Lord can deliver us from our suffering (see Mosiah 21–22; see also 1 Nephi 1:20; Mosiah 23–24).

Additional Resources

• Book of Mormon Student Manual: Religion 121 and 122, pp. 65–67.

Suggestions for Teaching

Book of Mormon Video presentation 11, “Stand as Witnesses” (7:42), can be used in teaching Mosiah 18:1–16 (see Book of Mormon Video Guide for teaching suggestions).

Mosiah 18. At baptism we covenant to keep God’s commandments and support and comfort one another. In return, God promises to pour out His Spirit upon us and grant us eternal life.

(40–45 minutes)

Arrange your classroom as in the accompanying diagram. Use tape or string to mark the different areas, and put up signs indicating the name of each area.

Land of Lehi-Nephi

(with King Noah as leader)

Land of Mormon

(Note: Make this area large enough that all your students can be seated in it.)

Waters of Mormon

As students enter the room, ask them to remain in the outer section of the room (the “Land of Lehi-Nephi”). Invite them to think about what they have learned concerning the land of Lehi-Nephi and King Noah’s people in their study of Mosiah 9–17. Discuss the following questions:

• What kinds of sins were common among King Noah’s people?

• Read Mosiah 17:1–4. According to these verses, why did Alma flee from Noah?

• How were the sins of that day similar to the ones of today?

• What is difficult about living in a world so full of wickedness?

Invite students to imagine that the “Land of Lehi-Nephi” portion of the room represents the world. Have a student read Doctrine and Covenants 53:2; 59:8–9, and ask:

• What do these verses teach about the world?

• What can we do to forsake or stay unspotted from the wickedness of the world?

Explain that Mosiah 18 contains helpful doctrine for those who seek spiritual peace and protection from the evil influences of the world.

Have students move to the center area of the room (the “Land of Mormon”). Have them read Mosiah 18:1–7 and look for a description of both the land of Mormon and the people there. Ask:

• How do the land and people described in these verses compare with the land of Lehi-Nephi and its people?

• What is most impressive to you about the land of Mormon and these people?

• Which of these two places would you rather be in? Why?

• What are some places today where we can find beauty, peace, purity, and protection from the world’s evils?

Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:2 and ask: What are two reasons the Lord established the Church in the latter days? Invite students to imagine that the “Land of Mormon” section of the room represents the Church. Testify that the Church can provide peace, security, and help for its members. Tell students that the “Waters of Mormon” section of the room represents a door or gate that leads to membership in the Church. Read 2 Nephi 31:17–18 and look for what that gate might be.

Have students read Mosiah 18:8–10, and ask:

• What promises or covenants do we make when we are baptized?

• What is significant to you about these covenants?

• How do you think these covenants can help you endure the wickedness of the world?

• What promises does the Lord give in return?

• How have the Lord’s promises blessed your life?

• Why are the blessings of being in God’s fold worth the sacrifices they require?

Read Mosiah 18:11–17 and invite students to mark the words that show how the people felt at their baptism. Discuss the words the students marked.

Write the following chart on the board (leave the right-hand column blank).

Some Blessings of Church Membership (Mosiah 18)

Members are taught correct doctrine.	v. 19
They are taught about faith and repentance.	v. 20
They are surrounded by people who love them.	v. 21
They become children of God.	v. 22
They learn the gospel by attending weekly meetings.	v. 25
Priests receive the Spirit and a knowledge of God.	v. 26
The poor receive help through the gifts of members.	vv. 27–28

Invite students to read Mosiah 18:19–28 and identify the verse that describes each benefit listed on the board. Ask students if they believe that those same benefits come to Church members today. Ask: How is the Church like a refuge or oasis from the world?

Invite students to share times they have been blessed in the ways listed on the board. Testify of the great blessings and responsibilities we have as members of God’s true Church. Read Mosiah 18:29–30 and encourage students to make their home, ward, or branch like the Waters of Mormon—a place of beauty, love, peace, prosperity, and protection where the gospel is taught and lived.

Mosiah 19:1–21:15. The word of the Lord through His prophets will always be fulfilled.

(30–40 minutes)

Write each of the following twelve events on a separate piece of paper, and tape the papers on the board in random order:

• King Noah is almost killed by Gideon.

• King Noah’s people flee from the Lamanites.

• The Lamanites enslave King Noah’s people.

• Limhi takes charge.

• King Noah is killed.

• King Noah’s wicked priests hide in the wilderness.

• There is peace in the land of Lehi-Nephi.

• Lamanite daughters dance.

• The Lamanites attack Limhi’s people.

• Gideon saves the day.

• The Lamanites spare Limhi’s people.

• Limhi’s people are enslaved.

Assign each student one of the following persons or groups:

• King Noah (Mosiah 19:1–12, 20–21)

• Gideon (Mosiah 19:4–8, 18–24; 20:17–22)

• Noah’s people (Mosiah 19:9–12)

• Lamanite soldiers (Mosiah 19:6, 14–15; 20:7–11, 24–26)

• Fair daughters of the Nephites (Mosiah 19:13–15)

• King Limhi (Mosiah 19:16–17, 26–29; 20:8–26)

• Wicked priests (Mosiah 19:18, 21, 23; 20:3–5, 18–23)

• Singing and dancing Lamanite daughters (Mosiah 20:1–6, 15, 18, 23)

• Lamanite king (Mosiah 20:12–15, 23–26)

• King Limhi’s people (Mosiah 21:1–13)

Have students read the chapter headings for Mosiah 19–21 and then read the verses in parentheses for the person or group they were assigned. When they finish, as a class arrange the twelve papers in the correct order on the board. Invite ten students (one for each of the assigned scripture blocks) to share what they think is the most important lesson they learned from the person or group they studied and how that lesson could be applied to us today.

Read Mosiah 11:20–21; 12:1–5; 17:14–18, and ask:

• What do these prophecies from Abinadi have in common?

• How does Mosiah 19–21 relate to these prophecies? (The prophecies were fulfilled in these chapters.)

• What does that teach you about the words of the prophets? (Prophetic words will always be fulfilled.)

• Read Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38. How do these verses support this truth?

Testify of the importance of following the prophets. Share the following statement by Elder Robert D. Hales:

“I give my testimony that the prophets of this day have the qualities of the prophets of old and the other prophets of this dispensation. …

“We declare with soberness, and yet with the authority of God in us vested, that we have a prophet today. The President of the Church, as a prophet, is God’s representative on earth and is appointed to lead His church. …

“… Our spiritual safety lies in turning to the clear voice of our living prophet. If we listen to his voice and obey his counsel, we will be able to live as Christ would have us live and endure to the end so that one day we, along with our families, will return back into the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, 20–21; or Ensign, May 1995, 17).

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Mosiah 21–24. Wickedness brings suffering. As we humbly make and keep gospel covenants and repent of our sins, the Lord can deliver us from our suffering.

(45–55 minutes)

Note: This teaching suggestion covers material from both this scripture block (Mosiah 18–22) and the one following (Mosiah 23–24).

Have students imagine that they were each given a camera and the assignment to take a picture that portrayed one of the following words: captivity, suffering, afflictions, trials, or hardship. (Or have them look in newspapers and magazines to find such pictures.) Discuss the following questions:

• What would you take a picture of?

• What experiences have you or someone you know had that would portray these words?

• Were these challenges a blessing or a curse to you? Why?

• How can the Lord help you overcome your challenges?

• What must you do to receive His help?

Share the following statement by President Ezra Taft Benson about those who wrote the Book of Mormon:

“If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

Tell students that following the death of Abinadi, the people of King Noah divided into two colonies. One was led by King Limhi (Mosiah 19–22) and the other by Alma (Mosiah 18; 24–25). The stories of these two groups provide an interesting comparison of how the Lord deals with His children. They also provide important answers to help us deal with our challenges.

Give students copies of the following chart as a handout. Leave the “People of Limhi” and the “People of Alma” columns blank except for the scripture references given in italics. Assign the first group to complete the handout for Limhi’s people, and the other group to do the same for Alma’s people.

Questions	People of Limhi	People of Alma
What were the people like?	(Mosiah 19:2–20) They were divided (see v. 2). They were contentious (see v. 3). They fled before the Lamanites (see v. 9). They abandoned their families (see v. 11). They had their daughters plead for them (see v. 13). They killed the king (see v. 20).	(Mosiah 18:3–21) They believed Alma (see v. 3). They traveled to hear the gospel (see v. 4). They endured risk (see vv. 4, 6). They were taught to repent and have faith in the Lord (see v. 7). They covenanted with God (see vv. 8–11). They were filled with grace (see v. 16). They were taught not to contend but to love one another (see v. 21).
What happened to them, and how did they react?	(Mosiah 19:22–20:22) They were brought into captivity and paid a 50 percent tribute (see 19:22). They lived peacefully in bondage for two years (see 19:29). The Lamanites attacked them (see 20:7). They fought back (see 20:8–11). They accepted bondage (see 20:22).	(Mosiah 23:2–37) The Lord strengthened them (see v. 2). They built a city (see vv. 5, 20). They prospered exceedingly (see vv. 19–20). The Lamanites found them (see v. 25). They cried to the Lord (see v. 28). They surrendered and accepted bondage (see vv. 29, 36–37).
What were the conditions of their bondage?	(Mosiah 21:3–6) The Lamanites smote them on the cheeks (see v. 3). They exercised authority over them (see v. 3). They gave them heavy burdens and drove them like animals (see v. 3).	(Mosiah 24:8–14) Amulon persecuted them (see v. 8). He exercised authority over them and gave them taskmasters (see v. 9). Their afflictions were great (see v. 10). They were threatened with death (see v. 12). They had burdens on their backs (see v. 14).
How did they respond to this bondage?	(Mosiah 21:7–14, 25–26) They began to murmur (see v. 6). They went to war and were defeated three times (see vv. 7–12). They were compelled to be humble (see vv. 13–14). They accepted their bondage and abuse (see v. 13). They cried mightily to the Lord (see v. 14). They sent for help (see vv. 25–26).	(Mosiah 24:10–16) They cried mightily to God (see v. 10). They prayed in their hearts (see v. 12). They submitted cheerfully (see v. 15). They showed faith and patience (see v. 16).
What was the result of their response?	(Mosiah 21:15–22:16) The Lord was slow to hear them (see 21:15). The Lord softened the hearts of their enemies, who eased their burdens (see 21:15). They were not delivered at first (see 21:15). They prospered by degrees (see 21:16). They helped others (see 21:17). They covenanted to serve God (see 21:31). They gave wine to the Lamanite guards, who then fell sleep (see 22:7, 10). They escaped (see 22:11).	(Mosiah 24:13–25) The Lord spoke to them (see v. 13). He promised to deliver them (see v. 13). He eased their burdens and strengthened them (see vv. 14–15). He promised to deliver them “on the morrow” (v. 16). He caused a deep sleep to come upon the guards (see v. 19). They escaped (see v. 20).

When students have finished working through the chart, discuss their findings. Invite both groups to compare and contrast what they learned about Limhi’s people and Alma’s people. Discuss the following questions:

• What are some struggles or difficulties we face today that could be compared to the bondage that Limhi’s or Alma’s people faced?

• What can we learn from these groups about facing our challenges?

• In what ways do you believe the Lord will help deliver you from your trials and struggles?

• What is the most important lesson you learned from studying these two accounts?

Invite students to read Alma 32:13, 16, and ask: Which of these verses best describes Limhi’s people? Alma’s people? Ask the students to consider which verse best describes them and why. Ask: How can we voluntarily be more humble before the Lord?