"Encircled" as a symbol of the Two Ways

The Book of Mormon uses a lot of different symbols to emphasize the ancient concept of the Two Ways. This idea is very fundamental to mortality.  Each of us must choose the way of life or the way of death.

"Encircled" is one of the words that is used in the Book of Mormon to illustrate this idea. It shows up 24 times. Aside from a few military uses in Alma, and once related to Ammon and the king's flocks, this word is used to illustrate the two ways.  Below are some notable examples:

15 But behold, the Lord hath redeemed my soul from hell; I have beheld his glory, and I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love. (2 Nephi 1)

33 O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! (2 Nephi 4)

6 And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare of the adversary, which he has laid to catch this people, that he might bring you into subjection unto him, that he might encircle you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting destruction, according to the power of his captivity. (Alma 12)

15 Yea, they were encircled about with everlasting darkness and destruction; but behold, he has brought them into his everlasting light, yea, into everlasting salvation; and they are encircled about with the matchless bounty of his love; yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work. (Alma 26)

16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption. (Alma 34)

24 And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them. (3 Nephi 17)

I love this metaphor, especially the idea of being surrounded by God's angels in our times of trial and sacrifice.  This symbol is to be found at a the temple, as well, if one looks for it.

The somewhat related idea of a circle representing the heavens and the square representing the world is an ancient one. The symbolism can be found in modern temples, too.