A temple pattern in the Book of Mormon, continued -- overcoming the devil (part 1)

I'll continue with my series on the temple pattern in the Book of Mormon.  Se these two prior posts for background and references to shaking:

Overview

Shaking

We left with Mormon's words from Helaman 12 about the power of God's voice to save us if we will hearken. In that passage, he also laments: "how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths!" (Helaman 12:5)

In the fallen world in which we now live, we are enticed by two voices. (See 2 Nephi 2:16.) Once we have identified the power of the voice of God, the next important step is to learn to overcome the power of the devil.

The next few posts will review some important passages in the Book of Mormon which teach us how to overcome the devil. We'll begin with a man who set such a good example, presumably Mormon named his own son after him.

The example of "Captain" Moroni

Mormon writes very lofty words about that Moroni who led the armies of the Nephites:

17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. (Alma 48)

Notice the use of past/present/future at the start of the verse as well as the word "forever." I believe both of these are designed to point our minds to things of eternal significance. Moroni wasn't just a dedicated public servant or military leader, his example includes a range of commendable attributes.

Notice also the description of the "powers of hell" shaking and the devil "never hav[ing] power over the hearts of the children of men." This echoes themes from the temple pattern described in the overview. 

In the preceding verses, we find a list of powerful attributes which allowed Mormon to make such a claim:

And Moroni was:

1. a strong and a mighty man
2. a man of a perfect understanding
3. a man that did not delight in bloodshed
4. a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;
5. a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people
6. a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.
7. a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood. 
8. his heart did glory --
• in [the promise that if they were faithful in keeping the commandments of God that he would prosper them in the land] 
• in preserving his people, 
• in keeping the commandments of God
• and resisting iniquity.

This is a great list.  I see elements of obedience, willingness to sacrifice, dedication to resisting evil, centering one's life on covenant promises, gratitude, and commitment to the "welfare and safety" of God's covenant people.

These are the attributes which bind Satan and cause his kingdom and powers to shake.

A note about "perfect understanding"

This phrase shows up only once in the Book of Mormon.  We find it in Luke 1:3 as well, but that instance doesn't add much. The only other closely-related instance comes from D&C 97:14 in a revelation about the building of the temple:

13 For a place of thanksgiving for all saints, and for a place of instruction for all those who are called to the work of the ministry in all their several callings and offices;
14 That they may be perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you.
15 And inasmuch as my people build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it, that it be not defiled, my glory shall rest upon it;
16 Yea, and my presence shall be there, for I will come into it, and all the pure in heart that shall come into it shall see God. (D&C 97)

Take that for what it is worth.

In the next post, we'll look at other scriptures that teach how we can overcome the devil.

Book of Mormon - Old Testament connection series: The judges

The period of judges in the Old Testament is covered by the books of Joshua and Judges. In the Book of Mormon it is the books of Alma and Helaman. This is element C in the combined Book of Mormon - Old Testament chiasmus. As I have explained before, these connections can provide additional insight when studied together. This is one aspect of rabbinical study methods. Although they don't use the Book of Mormon of course, they connect passages from the Torah and the Nevi'im (prophets) in a similar way.

Unfortunately, I am not sufficiently well-versed in the Old Testament to identify all these learning points yet, but for now I'm leaning on Bradley Kramer, who has provided some examples. When it comes to judges, the Book of Mormon can play a role in "translating an ancient situation into modern terms". Throughout the Book of Judges, the children of Israel are locked in a cycle of sin. They are frequently described as doing "evil in the sight of the Lord". As a consequence there is lots of wars, but also heroes who emerge to deliver them, like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson. The effect is never long-lasting because the Israelites fall back into their evil-doing and the cycle continues.

We recognize this from the Book of Mormon too and typically refer to it as the "pride cycle". Herein also lies the key to additional insight. In the period of judges in the Old Testament, sin is usually connected to idolatry. As Kramer points out

Modern readers often have trouble understanding why something as ludicrous (in their eyes) as worshipping a stone statue would be attractive to the ancient Israelites and therefore have trouble relating to this section of the sin cycle. This is not a problem in the books of Alma and Helaman. There the "licence" that must be avoided is pride, a problem that is both understandable to modern readers and, unfortunately, a frequent outgrowth of prosperity. [...] Thus, pride is a valid and helpful update for idolatry. It is a kind of modern idolatry, the worship of self in place of the worship of God.

This is not the only aspect of the sin cycle that the Book of Mormon translates into more modern and relevant ideas. The Israelites in this period struggle with the Moabites, Amalekites, Philistines, etc. who seem to serve as God's enforcers. The Lamanites in the Book of Mormon have a similar function and we read about a lot of wars in both Alma and Helaman. There is, however, an important learning point from these books. Almost exclusively, wars and trouble in Alma and Helaman originate from dissenters or Nephite civil wars. Whether it be the Zoramites, the Gadianton robbers, or the wars originating from people like Amlici and Amalickiah, born Nephites who went over to the Lamanites to stir them up to anger, the punishment for pride comes from within.

Just as in the period of judges in the Old Testament, there are heroes showing up in the Book of Mormon in this period as well. I am not going into all the details that are discussed in Kramer's book. But an important point is that the "weapon" used to deliver the people is often the word rather than the sword. In Alma 31:5, we read

5 And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.

We see this time and again. As Kramer states

During Alma's mission to the Ammonihahites, he, like a hero from the book of Judges, engages in several one-on-one battles but with words, not swords. Along with his companion, Amulek, Alma first engages Zeezrom, a wealthy lawyer and "one of the most expert" among those who opposed him (Alma 10:31). Zeezrom begins his attack on Alma by feinting with a bribe, tempting Amulek to "deny the existence of a Supreme Being" for six onties of silver (11:22). Amulek, however, does not fall for this ploy and keeps his balance Zeezrom then counters with an extended questioning session where the answers and response come so quickly that it resembles the lightening-like thrust-and-parry rhythm of a fencing match (11:26-37).

The weapon of the word is often used against pride. In the midst of war in Alma 48:20, "the people did humble themselves because of their words". When among the Zoramites, Alma is grieved because their hears are "lifted up unto great boasting, in their pride" (Alma 31:24-25) and he starts preaching.

In this way, Alma and Helaman teach effectively that the problems of pride that originate from within cannot effectively be combated with external forces. As Alma explains, it is sometimes necessary to be compelled to be humble, but he who humbles himself is more blessed. This reminds me of one of my favorite quotes.

The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ would take the slums out of people, and then they would take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature. (Ezra Taft Benson)

The Book of Mormon proverb

20 And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper, and shall be led to a land of promise; yea, even a land which I have prepared for you; yea, a land which is choice above all other lands.
21 And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.

Sounds familiar? If it does, it is because it is consistently repeated throughout the pre-Christ phase of the Book of Mormon. This is from 1 Nephi 2, the first time this statement is spoken by the Lord himself to Nephi while he was in the wilderness. This is also what Nephi refers to in 1 Nephi 4 when he is back in Jerusalem to get the brass plates

14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.

It is repeated several more times in 1st and 2nd Nephi
1 Nephi 17:13

wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land

2 Nephi 1:9

Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise, that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land

(It seems that both Nephi and Lehi had received this promise individually directly from the Lord. The "have obtained" refers to a previous occasion probably recorded on the large plates. A couple of times in Alma, this "Book of Mormon proverb" is referred to as something the Lord told Lehi.)

2 Nephi 1:20

And he hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence. 

2 Nephi 4:4

For the Lord God hath said that: Inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; and inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence.

2 Nephi 5:20

Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.

Interestingly, after the books of Nephi, each of the small books contain this same statement. They write so little, yet they make sure to repeat this particular promise.

First, a variant of this spoken directly by the Lord to Enos in verse 10

I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity

Then a reference to what the Lord had said to "our fathers" in Jarom verse 9. We note the plural and the fact that Jarom's father, Enos, his granduncle, Nephi, and his great-grandfather, Lehi, had all received this promise individually

But the word of the Lord was verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land

Another reference to what the Lord had said to "our fathers" in Omni verse 6

he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.

Over to the large plates of Nephi. I will not quote every single one but here is an overview:

• King Benjamin to his sons in Mosiah 1:7
• King Benjamin to the people in Mosiah 2:22 and 31
• Alma to the people of Ammonihah in Alma 9:13
• Alma to his son, Helaman, in Alma 36:1 and 30 (beginning and end of the chiasmus)
• Alma to his son, Helaman again in Alma 37:13
• Alma to his son, Shiblon, in Alma 38:1
• References by Mormon in his abridgment in Alma 48:15, 25 and 50:20

Altogether 20 repetitions of this promise. That is a lot! One may wonder why this is repeated so consistently from 1 Nephi through Alma and then it seems to disappear except a few possible allusions, like Helaman 12:21

And if the Lord shall say—Because of thine iniquities thou shalt be cut off from my presence—he will cause that it shall be so.

Why this is the case, I don't know. But the rest of the Book of Mormon is a fulfillment of this promise. After the Saviour's visit in 3rd Nephi, the people keep the commandments and prosper as promised in 4th Nephi

7 And the Lord did prosper them exceedingly in the land

Then they turn away from God, and are cut off from his presence (see for instance Mormon 1:14)

And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.

Finally, the Nephites, as we know, are completely cut off from the land.

A hard heart leads to a lack of understanding.

Lately I've been thinking about these verses from Alma 12:

9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.

Part of "giving heed" to the word is having a teachable heart.  The Book of Mormon teaches us very clearly that a hard heart can prevent us from understanding the word of God and that a thankful and open heart can lead us to a better understanding of God's word.

3 For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought. (1 Nephi 15)

14 And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord. (Mosiah 10)

32 ...I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. (Mosiah 13)

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understand the word of God; and their hearts were hardened. (Mosiah 26)

20 But few understood the meaning of those things, and this because of the hardness of their hearts. (Alma 33)

11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; 12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. (Alma 48)

33 And the multitude did hear and do bear record; and their hearts were open and they did understand in their hearts the words which he prayed. (3 Nephi 19)

All of this leads us to a passage in 3 Nephi 11 which takes on more meaning in this context:

3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven;

These were good people who had survived tremendous darkness and destruction and had gathered at the temple.  They knew they had witnessed the signs of Christ's coming, and yet they still didn't understand the voice (despite its penetrating power) until the third time they heard it, after they had opened their ears, pointed their eyes to heaven to look "steadfastly" whence the sounds came.  Only then did they see the Savior.

Perhaps there are metaphorical lessons for us to learn from this.  It is not enough to feel the Spirit. We must take certain steps in order to be truly prepared to experience the power of Jesus Christ in our lives.

Further thoughts on the topic of blood

Last time I posted on the topic of blood, I included two scriptures with an interesting connection that I didn't even realize until after I had posted it. One is in Leviticus 17:10

For the life of the flesh is in the blood

The other is in John 6:54

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life

As mentioned before, the consumption of blood was prohibited under the Law of Moses. It was regarded as the lifegiving substance of man and something sacred. As stated in Leviticus, it gives life to the flesh. Thus, the Jews were upset when Jesus told them, contrary to their law, to drink his blood. Why would he ask them that? Because his blood gives life to the spirit. Our blood gives mortal life, his blood gives eternal life.

This topic seems to be a source of irony and paradoxes in the scriptures. Compare what we read about Captain Moroni in Alma 48:13

Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

...with what we read about Amaleckiah in Alma 49:27

Yea, he was exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood

I don't think these parallels are a coincidence. I think it's a carefully crafted text by Mormon, perhaps aided by what was already written on the Plates of Nephi that he abridged from.

Moroni was willing to sacrifice his blood for this just cause (a type of Christ?). Amaleckiah was the antitype, who sought not only to take Moroni's life but also consume his lifegiving substance, the blood. The irony is topped off by the death of Amaleckiah shortly after. As Tyler Griffin points out here.

Once again I don’t want to make you sick, but Amalickiah had sworn with a wrathful oath that he was going to drink Moroni’s blood. Brothers and sisters, the last thing Amalickiah would have done in mortality, laying there in his sleep as a javelin pierces his heart and lung—would have caused blood to pool up, as he’s laying down, in his throat—the very last thing Amalickiah would have done in mortality would have been choke on and drink his own blood.

Subtle internal consistency found in names within the Book of Mormon

Some of the most remarkable internal consistency found in the Book of Mormon draws absolutely no attention to itself.  Consider the following:

1. Perhaps the most intricate example can be found in Helaman 5.  
2. Lehi has two sons born to him during the family's journey in the wilderness.  He names them Jacob and Joseph.  Interestingly, these two names come after Lehi obtains the brass plates and discovers his lineage through Manasseh (son of Joseph, who is the son of Jacob).
3. Benjamin names one of his sons Mosiah after his father.  We actually don't learn that Benjamin's father was named Mosiah until the book of Omni. Thus, a detail found in the very first dictated chapter is not explained until on of the very last chapters dictated.
4. Mormon clearly admired "Captain" Moroni, based on the description he gives in Alma 48, culminating in verse 17 (see below). Is it any wonder Mormon names his son Moroni?

17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.