This is merely a breakdown to assist some in grasping its content. Spiritual benefits are gained solely through reading its pages. Covenant of Christ is a Modern English version of the Book of Mormon. Its purpose is to help a new generation understand the content to help with the Lord's return, which should be considered seriously. It's the book Covenant Christian's have voted to guide us, and its references are listed. These scriptures can be read online at scriptures.info, or be read side by side with the Book of Mormon at covenantofchrist.org.
The Nephite record is from approximately 600 BC to 385 AD. Lehi was a descendant of Manasseh, son of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. He was warned about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and took his family and Ishmael's family to the American continent after Nephi obtained the brass plates from Laban. Lehi was a prophet in the days of Jeremiah and is the ancestor of the American Indians, which are called Lamanites, and the Nephites, who became wicked and were destroyed. Mormon searched the records he had access to and compiled for us this record. His son Moroni completed and then buried it about 421 AD. Nephi, as a resurrected personage, appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him instruction regarding the plates over time. 1 Nephi 1:3, 5-8, 22-3, 2:2-3, 5:2, Alma 8:1, WOM :1-4, 2 Nephi 11:19, 3 Nephi 2:16-18, Moroni 10:1, Ether 1:17, T&C 1 JSH 1-6
The Mulochite history is from a son of Zedekiah, king of Judah, named Muloch, that left Jerusalem at the time his father was taken away as a prisoner to Babylon. Those that came with him to the American continent lived in the city of Zarahemla. Mosiah, and those that went with him, discovered them after they had left the land of Nephi. Zarahemla and Mosiah united their people, and the city named Zarahemla, became the Nephite capital city when their societies merged. Mosiah was made their king. Zarahemla recited his genealogy by memory since they hadn't kept records, which is not included in the account. The Mulochites were then only identified as Nephites, except in ancestry. This Mosiah is king Benjamin's father. Omni :6-8, Mosiah 11:15, Helaman 2:29
Jared requested that the Lord not confound the language of his family and their friends during the time of the tower of Babel about 2400 BC, which was granted. These people built 8 ships following the Lord's direction and came to the American continent. Their society destroyed itself around 600 BC. Ether was the last prophet and a direct descendant of Jared. After the people had cast him out, he necessarily recorded their eventual destruction living in a cave. King Coriantumr survived and lived with the Mulochites nine months after they arrived. Mormon's son Moroni, compiled the account. Omni :8, Alma 13:13, Ether 1:3, 6:4-20
There are 22 record keepers. The plates of the prophets passed through Nephi's brother Jacob's descendants until Amaleki, who having no posterity, gave them to king Benjamin. Then from his son Mosiah, to Alma Jr, and his descendants, until Ammaron, who hid them for Mormon to retrieve. Since Amaleki, they're likely all direct descendants of Nephi. Omni :10, WOM :1-4, Mosiah 9:1, Mormon 1:1
There are also the plates of the records the kings kept, that king Benjamin obtained, and passed from his son Mosiah, to Alma Jr. They were handed down through Alma's descendants until Ammaron, with the records of the prophets, through the reign of the judges, and after the sign of Christ's birth, when the Nephites changed their reckoning of years. Jarom :6, Words of Mormon :4, 3 Nephi 1:9
Nephi - 1 Nephi 2:14, 5:34 ~ Jacob - Jacob 1:1, 5:9 Enos - Jacob 5:10 Jarom - Jarom :1, 4 Omni - Omni :1-2 Amaron - Omni :3 Chemish - Omni :4 Abinadom - Omni :5 Amaleki - Omni :10 ~ Benjamin - Words of Mormon :4 Mosiah - Mosiah 1:1, 3, 4:1 Alma - Mosiah 13:1 Helaman - Alma 17:7 Shiblon - Alma 30:1 Helaman - Alma 30:5 Nephi - 3 Nephi 1:1 Nephi - " " Amos - 4 Nephi :4 Amos - " " Ammaron - 4 Nephi :9 Mormon - 3 Nephi 2:16-18, Mormon 1:1, 7 Moroni - Words of Mormon :1, Mormon 3:2, 4:1, 3
"My father Lehi lived his whole life in Jerusalem. During the first year that Zedekiah king of Judah ruled, many prophets were warning that the people must repent or the great city of Jerusalem would be destroyed." "After the Lord had shown my father Lehi the approaching destruction of Jerusalem and other astonishing things, he started prophesying about what he had seen and heard. However, telling them the truth about their wickedness and abominations resulted in the Jews mocking him. But when he also testified that he saw, heard, and read in a book that a Messiah was coming to redeem the world, that made the Jews furious with him, just like they were with former prophets, whom they had thrown out, stoned, and killed. So they tried to kill my father too. But the Lord's tender mercies are shown to everyone He has chosen because of their faith. He uses His power to save their lives." 1 Nephi 1:2, 5
During the first year of Zedekiah's reign in Judah, many prophets prophesied of Jerusalem's destruction if they didn't repent - 1 Nephi 1:2. Lehi had a dream where he was told to leave Jerusalem. He left all his possessions and took his family into the wilderness. Nephi believed his father's words, but his older brothers Laman and Lemuel didn't. The Lord told Nephi that he'd be led to a promised land, and would be a ruler and teacher over them, which was conditional (1:9). Through a dream to Lehi, the Lord commanded his sons to get the brass plates from Laban, which contained the record of the Jews, and their forefathers genealogy. Nephi was able to obtain them by slaying Laban, who had tried to kill he and his brothers, causing Lehi's property to fall into Laban's hands (1:11, 13). Nephi brought Laban's servant Zoram, who agreed to go with them (1:20). The Lord commanded Lehi to send his sons back to Jerusalem to invite Ishmael to bring his family, which would provide wives for his sons, and Ishmael agreed (2:2, 5:2, 10). Lehi had a vision of the tree of life (2:8-11, 4:5). Nephi was permitted to see these things and more. He saw that his brother's descendants defeated his own (3:18, 4:1, 2 Nephi 11:11). Nephi was commanded not to write the things that the apostle John would write about (3:31). He taught Laman and Lemuel about the house of Israel (4). They lived in the wilderness 8 years (5:13). The Lord told Nephi to build a ship (5:15), and they sailed to the American continent (5:32). Nephi made metal plates to keep the history (5:38). He quoted Isaiah to teach his brothers (6), and gave an explanation (7).
Lehi taught and blessed his sons before he passed - 2 Nephi 1-3:5. The prophecies of Joseph in Egypt are written on the brass plates (3:1). Nephi rejoices in the scriptures, the Lord, and laments his human weakness (3:6-8). Nephi departed into the wilderness, taking his older brother Sam, younger brothers Jacob and Joseph, sisters, Zoram, and anyone who would go with him with their families for safety reasons. They traveled many days and settled in a place the people called Nephi and made him king (4:1-2, Jacob 1:2). He encouraged them to be industrious, and built a temple similar to Soloman's. He made swords so they could protect themselves from the Lamanites. Nephi ordained his brothers Jacob and Joseph to be priests and teachers. The Lord told Nephi to make more plates (4:6). Nephi and his brother Jacob, both saw the Lord (8:2). Nephi took comfort in the words of Isaiah and recited them so people would rejoice (8-10). Nephi's commentary on Isaiah (11). (Christ commands us to study Isaiah's words - 3 Nephi 10:4, Mormon 4:4). Nephi spoke directly to the Gentiles and the Jews (12). He advised we feast on Christ's words (13:4). Nephi stressed the importance of praying before beginning a work for the Lord, praying to the Father in the name of Christ, so that He’ll consecrate our performance to us (14:3). Nephi's last words (15).
Jacob, Nephi's brother, is a great teacher. Some of the words he spoke to the people are in 2 Nephi, chapters 5, 6, and 7. He saw that those at Jerusalem had been taken as prisoners (2 Nephi 5:4). It had been 55 years since Lehi left Jerusalem. Their people began to engage in wicked practices - Jacob 1:3. Jacob spoke in the temple warning them that if they didn't repent, the Lamanite's would possess their land (2:11). He quoted from the prophet Zenos, giving the Allegory of the Olive Tree, a parable about the house of Israel (3:7-28). A man came among them named Sherem, determined to overthrow Christ's doctrine with his words. He confronted Jacob, asking for a sign, who proved him wrong in everything he said. After many days Sharem called the people together and admitted he had been deceived by the accuser and died. Their peace was restored and the people focused on the scriptures (5). Jacob's son Enos prayed diligently for forgiveness and got an answer from the Lord - Enos :1. He prayed for the Lamanites since all their efforts to restore them to the truth were hopeless. The Lamanites had sworn an oath to destroy them, their records, and the traditions handed down from their forefathers. Enos asked the Lord to preserve their records, and the Lord covenanted with Enos that He'd provide them for the Lamanites in the right time (:4). His son Jarom said that it took a lot of effort to help the people because of their hard hearts and blindness - Jarom :2.
"The Lord's prophets sternly warned the Nephites according to God's word, that if they didn't keep the commandments but fell into transgression, they would be removed from the earth. Therefore, the prophets, priests, and teachers taught continually, patiently urging the people to be diligent. They taught the Law of Moses and the purpose behind it, persuading them to anticipate Christ and believe in Him who was to come as if He had already come. This is how they taught them. By teaching this to penetrate their hearts with the word and continually urging them to repent, they prevented them from being destroyed." Jarom :5
When the Lord warned Mosiah, king Benjamin's father, to flee the land of Nephi with those that went with him, they had the brass plates - Omni :6. After they united with Zarahemla's people and Mosiah was made their king, a large stone was brought to him that he interpreted by God's gift and power, which gave an account of Coriantumr's people, that Coriantumr may have inscribed during his 9 months living with the Mulochites - Omni :8, a different Jaredite record than the 24 plates Ether had hidden that were found by Limhi's people (Mosiah 5:12, 9:33, 10:3, Alma 17:12-14, Ether 1:1, 6:20), and that Benjamin's son Mosiah translated - Mosiah 12:3-4.
"As for king Benjamin, he had some conflicts among his own people. In addition, Lamanite armies came down from the land of Nephi and attacked his people. But king Benjamin assembled an army and opposed them, personally joining the fight and using Laban's sword. They fought their enemies with the Lord's strength until they had killed many thousands of the Lamanites. They fought them until they had driven them from their lands. And after there had been false christs - who had been silenced and who had been punished according to their crimes. After false prophets, preachers, and teachers among the people - who had also been punished consistent with their crimes - and after many conflicts and disputes, resulting in some joining the Lamanites, king Benjamin, joined by holy prophets, taught his people repentance. Now because king Benjamin was a holy man and ruled over his people in righteousness, and was joined by many holy men in the land who spoke God's word with power and authority, rebuking the people because of their stubbornness, with their help, king Benjamin again established peace. It required him to exert all his physical strength, and all his soul. He was helped by the prophets as well." Words of Mormon :5-6
King Benjamin's great address to his people in Zarahemla, announcing that his son Mosiah would be their king, is an excellent read. Here we have an account of how a righteous king behaves, and would conduct his own kingdom - Mosiah 1-4.
There is a history of Zeniff's people, who left Zarahemla to return again to the land of Nephi to live, which came under Lamanite rule some time after Mosiah's departure. It contains the record of two groups of people, Limhi's and Alma Sr's, from the same society, who both escaped the Lamanite slavery they were under and returned to Zarahemla with the Lord's assistance. After their return, there is the account of King Mosiah's sons: Ammon, Aaron, Omner and Himni, and Alma's son Alma - Mosiah 11:25-29, who turned from being sinners, to devoted missionaries. King Mosiah's sons then wanted to preach to the Lamanites - Mosiah 12:1-2, which was a valiant, 14 year effort - Alma 12-14, while Alma Jr was high priest in Zarahemla. Alma Sr and Mosiah both died, which ended the 509 year reign of the kings, and the 91 year reign of the judges before Christ's birth began - Mosiah 13:11.
While Zeniff's people were still living in the land of Nephi, king Mosiah's people in Zarahemla were wondering what had happened to those who had left to live there. Mosiah sent 16 men, led by Ammon - Mosiah 5:4, a descendant of Zarahemla, to search for them. Ammon and his men located king Limhi and his people, who was a righteous son of king Noah, voted to be their king by the people after his father had been executed (9:17, 19). Gideon provided the resolution, and Ammon and his men led the way to Zarahemla, where they joined Mosiah's people (10:3).
Abinadi was a prophet, that Zeniff's son king Noah, and his wicked priests, condemned to death in the land of Nephi, for his claims that God Himself would come down among mankind. His words to them are an excellent read - Mosiah 7:8-8:15. Alma Sr was one of the wicked priests who witnessed this, objected, was thrown out, and servants were sent to kill him (9:1). Alma repented of his sins, and secretly taught about 450 people (Alma 3:1). The Lord warned Alma to leave, and he and those converted built the city of Helam (11). They came under Lamanite slavery, with one of the wicked priests Alma knew named Amulon controlling them (13:1). The Lord freed them, and they returned to Zarahemla, joining Mosiah's people some time after Limhi's people arrived (11:12).
In the 1st year of the reign of the judges, as the high priest and chief judge (Mosiah 13:10), by the laws approved by the people, Alma Jr, condemned Nehor to death for killing Gideon, a righteous man that did much good for the people (Mosiah 9:14, 18, 25) - Alma 1:1-3. In the 5th year, he fought and slew Amlici in battle (1:8-15), who was of the same beliefs as Nehor, for trying to change the establishment of the judges, and to destroy the congregation, by making himself their king, even uniting his army with the Lamanites. Seeing the growing inequality among the people, in the 9th year, Alma gave up the judgement seat to preach, and Nephihah was voted chief judge (2:5). He preached in Zarahemla (3), Gideon (5), Melek (6), and then in Ammonihah, where the people threw him out. An angel advised Alma to return and prophesy about their impending destruction, as they were conspiring to destroy the government, and held the same beliefs as Nehor. Alma entered the city another way, and met Amulek (8:1), who knew he was a prophet of God through a vision he had (6:6). They preached and agonized what befell, as did the righteous believers that the leaders burned or had cast out. The Lord freed them from prison, killing the reprehensible leaders in the process (7-10:8,15, 11:5). They went to Sidon, where the Lord healed Zeezrom (8:7, 12-18, 9:1-2, 10:5-6, 12-14), a converted lawyer, at Alma's request. When Amulek's family and friends rejected him, Alma took him into his own house (10:16). In the 11th year, Ammonihah's people were destroyed by the Lamanites (11:1).
King Mosiah's sons spent 14 years preaching in the land of Nephi, separating themselves when they arrived. They left Zarahemla in the 1st year of the reign of the judges - Alma 12:1. Aaron first went to Jerusalem, that had been built by Lamanites, Amlicites, and Amulonites (13:1). Ammon preached to king Lamoni in the land of Ishmael (12:5-26), and prepared king Lamoni's father, who was king over all of the Lamanites (12:29-31, 14:1), to be taught by Aaron (13:6-12). They were descendants of Ishmael (12:5). Lamoni freed Aaron and his companions from prison at Middoni (12:28, 32). Mosiah's sons converted thousands, who wanted a name to distinguish themselves from the Lamanites. Their new name was Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. The king died that year. He had named his son to whom he conferred the kingdom this name. His people buried their weapons of war in their sincere repentance for their murders (14:3-9). The Amlicites, Amulonites, and Lamanites in the surrounding area that weren't converted were furious. Their intent was to dethrone the king and kill them. They slew 1,005 of them without meeting any resistance in the land of Nephi, which caused over 1,000 Lamanites deep regret, and to immediately join the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's. The remainder of the army destroyed the city of Ammonihah (14:10-13). The Lamanites battled the Nephites many times, in which they were driven and killed, mostly the descendants of Amulon and his companions, who had been priests of Noah. Survivors escaped to the eastern wilderness and seized power and authority over the Lamanites, and executed many of them by burning because of their beliefs. After experiencing so much loss and hardships, many Lamanites remembered the words Aaron and his companions had preached to them. Therefore they rejected their ancestors’ traditions and believed in the Lord. Many were converted in the wilderness. Then those rulers, who were the descendants of Amulon, executed anyone who believed in these things. This martyrdom made many of their fellow Lamanites angry. So fighting began in the wilderness, and the Lamanites began to continualy hunt the descendants of Amulon and their supporters (14:13-14). In the 15th year, the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's needed to be protected from the Amlicites (15:1, 11). Alma Jr and Mosiah's sons advised Nephihah of their situation in Zarahemla. The Nephites voted to give them the land of Jershon, to protect it, and called them Ammon's people. The Lamanites followed them, and the worst warfare to date ensued with the Nephite armies in Jershon (15:10).
Toward the end of the 17th year, Korihor came to Zarahemla. He was an anti-Christ, that denounced the prophecies about Christ’s coming. The adversary had appeared to him as an angel - Alma 16:12, telling him to preach to the people that there is no God or Messiah. In Zarahemla, his teachings caused them to be proud of their wickedness. He went to Jershon to preach to Ammon’s people, but they were wiser than many of the Nephites. They arrested, and took him to Ammon, the high priest, who had him exiled. He began to preach in Gideon, but the high priest Giddonah also had him arrested, and taken before Alma and Nephihah, the high priest and the chief judge over the land in Zarahemla. There the Lord made him unable to speak, so his lying influence would end. He was exiled, and trodden down by a group that had separated themselves from the Nephites called Zoramites (16:2-15).
The Zoramites had separated themselves to a land they called Antionum. They were a wicked and perverse people who didn't keep the commandments or pray regularly, and their hearts were set on expensive things. They built synagogues and would each pray on a tower, offering the same prayer stating they were a chosen people, their ancestors were childish, and there would be no Messiah. They wouldn't allow their poor to worship - Alma 16:23. Alma took his sons Shiblon and Corianton, with Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, and Zeezrom to preach to them in the 17th year (16:42). He quoted from Zenos and Zenoch (1 Nephi 5:36-37, 3 Nephi 4:11). Shiblon was chained and stoned, but the Lord rescued him (18:1). When they had returned to Jershon, the Zoramite leaders secretly found out what the people were thinking, and removed the believers, who evacuated to Jershon. Their chief ruler sent a message to Ammon's people, demanding they banish those that came, but they wouldn't, and gave them lands to occupy. The Zoramites befriended and then became Lamanites (16:42, 20:2), and convinced them to battle Ammon's people, who relocated to Melek. In the 18th year, Moroni (20:4) gathered his army in Jershon. Zarahemnah led the Lamanites to Antionum, and then marched for Manti. Alma advised Moroni of their plan, and he prepared to meet them. Lehi, a Nephite commander (24:15), surrounded them, and Moroni's army joined them in battle, causing the Lamanites to flee, though they outnumbered them by more than double (20:12). Moroni asked Zarahemnah to give up their weapons and to never fight them again, but he refused the oath, and rushed forward to kill Moroni. But as he raised his sword, one of Moroni’s soldiers struck it to the ground and broke it at the hilt. He also struck Zerahemnah, severing his scalp and it fell to the ground, and Zerahemnah retreated in the midst of his soldiers. The soldier put Zerahemnah's scalp on the tip of his sword and declared: "Just as this scalp has fallen to the ground, which is your leader’s scalp, so also will you fall to the ground unless you hand over your weapons and leave with a covenant of peace." Many threw down their weapons and went into the wilderness. Zerahemnah incited the remainder to violence, and the battle continued until he relented with a covenant of peace (20:13, 18). The Lord had advised the Nephites to defend their families unto bloodshed (20:11, 21:34). Alma spoke to (17-19), and then blessed his sons, the earth for the benefit of the righteous, and the congregation, and vanished (21:3).
Alma's son Helaman and his brothers preached the word and tried to establish order in the congregation. In every city they appointed priests and teachers over the congregations. Disagreements arose among them until they refused to listen to their instructions. Most of them were the lower judges of the land, and they were determined to kill them. They wanted more power under a king from their leader Amalickiah, who was a descendant of Zoram - Alma 21:4-6, 25:4. In the 19th year, Moroni had a Declaration of Liberty hoisted on every tower, and strengthened their fortifications (21:15, 32, 22:1). Amalickiah led his followers away, which Moroni's forces stopped, and returned to Zarahemla. Amalickiah escaped and became a Lamanite commander. Through his deceit, he had Lehonti, a commander, and the Lamanite king killed, and married the queen, becoming king (21:7-30), but he was unable to take the cities of Ammonihah and Noah with the forces he sent, due to Moroni's fortifications. In the 24th year, Teancum, a Nephite commander, slew Morionton for his claiming part of the land of Lehi by force (22:5). In the 25th year, when Nephihah's son Parhoron took the judgement seat (22:7-9), kingmen wanted the law changed to establish a king. They were angry with Parhoron for not allowing it and wanted him dethroned. The people voted against it and settled the matter. The kingmen refused to fight in Amalickiah's impending war. Moroni had the support of the people to cut down 4,000 who wouldn't defend their liberty (23:4). On the last day of the 25th year, Teancum slew Amalickiah in his own tent (23:12, 24:1), as well as his brother Ammoron in the 31st year (25:4), who was appointed king in his stead, and unfortunately, lost his own life there (23:11-12, 29:15-17). In the 28th year, Moroni sent messengers to the city of Melek, asking Jacob, a Zoramite, to battle them in the open, but he refused (24:8). Moroni ordered Teancum to lure them out of the city while his army captured it. The Lamanites hadn't overtaken Teancum when Lehi's army arrived to oppose them. Moroni was wounded and Jacob was killed, and Lehi (21:38-39, 24:15), maintained the city of Melek. In the 29th year, Ammoron and Moroni had a heated communication regarding exchanging prisoners. Moroni searched for a decendant of Laman among his men and found one, named Laman, who was one of the servants of the king killed by Amalickiah. Moroni sent Laman with some men and wine to the guards in the city of Gid, where the Nephite prisoners were. The guards drank the wine until they fell into a deep sleep. Laman returned to advise Moroni, who took his men and weapons, and dropped weapons into the city, arming all of the prisoners inside, and Moroni's men surrounded the Lamanite army. When the Lamanites awoke, their captains begged for mercy, and Moroni put them to work strengthening the fortifications of the city (25:1-9).
In Moroni’s absence there was a secret plot among the Nephites causing strong division resulting in internal conflicts, and the Lamanites took several of their cities. Ammon's people had 2,000 sons that hadn't taken an oath to bury their weapons of war - Alma 24:19-22. They joined Antipus' army in Judea, and asked Helaman to lead them. He called them Ammonites, and his sons. The Lamanites had taken the cities of Manti, Cumeni, Zeezrom, Antiparah, and many of the Nephite captains prisoner to the land of Nephi. In the 26th year, Antipus ordered Helaman to lure the Lamanites out of the city of Antiparah, while his army pursued. The Lamanites turned back to fight Antipus. Helaman's Ammonites turned and fought with such faith and fury that none were lost. Sadly, Antipus and many of his leaders were slain. The Lamanites surrendered as prisoners. Helaman sent some of Antipus' men to take the prisoners to Zarahemla, and returned to Judea. Ammoron sent Helaman a letter stating that he'd give up the city of Antiparah, if he'd return the prisoners. Helaman responded that he was sure their numbers could take Antiparah by force and he would only exchange prisoners. The Lamanites left the city of Antiparah, and it fell into their hands at the end of the 28th year (26:1-13). In the 29th year, 60 more Ammonites joined them. Helaman cut off supplies to the city of Cumeni until it was surrendered (26:14-16). They had so many prisoners that they slew over 2,000 of them who kept attacking after surrendering, so Helaman sent Gid with some men to take them to Zarahemla. But they returned the next day, to warn them of the approaching army of the Lamanites. In this battle, Helaman's 2,060 were firm and undaunted, and delivered death to any who fought them. The Lamanites fled, and Helaman gave orders to separate the wounded from the dead. To the astonishment of the whole army, and though 200 had fainted from the loss of blood, none of the Ammonites were slain, because they put their faith in God continually. "After we had taken care of our wounded men and buried our dead and the many dead Lamanites, we asked Gid about the prisoners they had set out with for Zarahemla. Now Gid was the chief captain over the company appointed to guard them down to that land. Gid told me: We set out to go down to Zarahemla with our prisoners. And we met the spies of our armies, who had been watching the Lamanite camp. They called out to us, saying: the Lamanite armies are right now marching toward the city of Cumeni. And they’re going to attack them and kill our people. Our prisoners heard their shouts, which encouraged them, and they rose up in rebellion against us. Because of their rebellion, we attacked them with our swords. They all ran together, as one, upon our swords, and as a result most of them were killed. The rest broke through and fled. When they were gone and we were unable to catch up to them, we started quickly to the city of Cumeni. We arrived in time to assist our fellow Nephites in holding onto the city. And we have once again been freed from the power of our enemies. And blessed is the name of God; He’s the one who’s rescued us, who’s done this great thing for us. Now when I Helaman had heard Gid’s words, I was filled with great joy because of God’s goodness in keeping us safe." Helaman lured the Lamanites out of the city of Manti, while Gid and Teomner cut down the guards and took the city. That night Helaman didn't sleep, but marched to Manti another way. They had taken the city without a loss. The Lamanites abandoned the entire region and returned to the land of Nephi (26:16-33).
Helaman sent a messenger to the chief judge Parhoron in Zarahemla, requesting reinforcements and supplies. They had been in difficult circumstances many months, and were near starvation - Alma 26:24-25. In the 30th year, Helaman wrote Moroni, advising him of their circumstances, as he feared there was a faction in the government (26:34). Moroni wrote Parhoron with his questions (27), and Parhoron explained the situation (28). In Zarahemla, insurrectionists had exiled Parhoron from the judgement seat, making Pachus king, who had made an alliance with Ammoron (28:1, 29:3). Moroni and Parhoron battled the insurrectionists, having to execute defectors (29:4). Moroni regained Nephihah by infiltrating the city at night, without a loss (29:10-11). He marched to the land of Lehi, chasing the Lamanites from city to city, until arriving in the land of Moroni. The next day they battled until the Lamanites left their lands, and the 31st year ended (29:18). Moroni turned over command of their forces to his son Moronihah. Corianton had sailed north to take supplies, so Shiblon gave the sacred records to Helaman's son Helaman (30:1-5).
Parhoron died in the 40th year. His sons Parhoron, Pacumeni and Paanchi, competed among the Nephites for the judgement seat. Parhoron Jr won, and Pacumeni accepted it, but Paanchi caused a rebellion, was tried and executed. His supporters sent Kishcumen to murder Parhoron, and Pacumeni became chief judge - Helaman 1:1-3. A Nephite defector named Coriantumr, was sent by Ammoron's son Tubaloth, now the Lamanite king, to war the Nephites in Zarahemla. Both Pacumeni and Coriantumr were killed. Helaman Jr was elected chief judge. Kishcumen tried to kill him also, but was slain by an official loyal to Helaman, and the 42nd year ended (1:4-11). Helaman had two sons, Nephi and Lehi, who were both exceptional men. Nephi succeeded his father in the judgement seat in the 53rd year, and in the 62nd year gave it up to Cezoram, so he and Lehi could preach, due to the people's wickedness and the laws becoming corrupt (2:6-15). They taught in Zarahemla's areas. 8,000 Lamanites were baptized as a sign of repentance. They went to the land of Nephi, where they were imprisoned, in the same prison where Limhi had held Ammon's men (Mosiah 5:2). Miracles were seen by about 300 there, and many laid down their weapons, hatred, traditions, and returned the Nephite's lands (2:18-26). Both Cezoram and his son, were murdered by the secret band of robbers who usurped the government. The Lamanites eliminated them from their society by preaching, but the Nephites supported them. Nephi lamented on the tower in his garden in the 69th year. He prophesied of their destruction, and that their chief judge Seezoram, had been killed by his brother Seantum, who wanted the judgement seat (3). In the 73rd - 75th years, Nephi requested of the Lord a famine, rather than the people being killed by the sword. When they repented, the Lord discontinued it (4:1-4). In the 86th year, the Nephites were still ripening for destruction, while the Lamanites kept God's commandments. Samuel, a Lamanite, came among them in Zarahemla to preach, but they threw him out, so he stood atop a wall and prophesied of their destruction, and also of what the signs would be at Christ's birth and death, whose birth would be in 5 years. They couldn't hit him with their stones or arrows, so many went to Nephi to be baptized. Samuel escaped and preached in his own land (5).
It was now 600 years since Lehi left Jerusalem. Nephi Sr, gave his son Nephi the records and vanished - 3 Nephi 1:1, 9. The wicked set a date to kill the believers if the sign Samuel had given didn't occur. Nephi Jr prayed mightily to the Lord on behalf of his people. The Lord's voice told him that the sign would be given that night, and there was no darkness at sunset. Many who hadn't believed the prophets collapsed because their plan to kill the believers was crushed. Nephi and others taught and baptized the people (1:1-6). Their reckoning of time changed to the time when the sign of Christ's birth occurred. Lachoneus was chief judge, and Gidgiddoni was the commander, both of whom were righteous. In the 13th year, the Gaddianton robbers had become numerous, led by Giddianhi. They had killed many people, and ruined many cities. The Lamanite converts to the Lord united with the Nephites, and took up arms against them. In the 16th year, Lachoneus received a letter from Giddianhi, demanding their lands and property, but he had all the people gather in one place in Zarahemla. Giddianhi's army attacked, causing a great slaughter, and he was killed. Zemnarihah became the robbers leader and surrounded the Nephites, causing themselves a disadvantage, so they planned to relocate. Gidgiddoni's army cut them off, and Zemnarihah was hung from a tree (2). They returned to their lands, and Lachoneus's son Lachoneus, became chief judge. In the 30th year, inequality caused the congregation to divide and then break apart, with the exception of some Lamanites who remained committed to the faith. Righteous men were sent to warn the people, which angered judges, lawyers, and priests. They couldn't condemn them to death publicly, but did this in secret, causing a complaint to come to Lachoneus Jr, who had them arrested. The accused friends and relatives entered into a secret society and killed Lachoneus, and the government was destroyed. The people gathered into tribes with their own laws, and the secret society was the common enemy. Jacob led the secret society north to set up a kingdom. The people sent away or stoned the prophets, including Nephi's brother, who he raised from the dead. Nephi rightly kept preaching and baptizing (3).
In the first month of the 34th year, there was a great earthquake and storm that deformed the face of the whole land, that lasted about three hours. Thick darkness covered the land that could be felt. The vapor prevented any candles or fires being lit for three days The people mourned because they hadn't repented, and for the way the prophets were treated. The Lord's voice was heard declaring what and why the destruction happened, and that the Law of Moses was fulfilled - 3 Nephi 4:7, 7:2. A second time His voice was heard, relaying to them things about the house of Israel. The people rejoiced when the devastation ended and many gathered at the temple in Bountiful. Those who were spared were the more righteous (4:10). Twice they heard a quiet voice they didn't understand that melted their hearts. The third time they understood it to be The Father, asking them to listen to His Son. Christ descended, and provided to them His doctrine and commandments. He selected His disciples to teach and baptize. Their names are: Nephi, Timothy, Jonas, Mathoni, Mathonihah, Kumen, Kumenonhi, Jeremiah, Shemnon, Jonas, Zedekiah and Isaiah (9:2). The sacrament became a commandment (9:6) The Lord healed their sick and blessed their children,. He advised them to be watchful and pray always, so they're not captives to the adversary, and to pray to The Father in His name. For three days He taught and prophesied. Those baptized by the twelve were called the congregation of Christ (12:3).
There was no envying, disputes, disturbances, whoredoms, lying. murder, or any kind of unrestrained, lustful conduct. There certainly couldn't have been a happier people created by God. The Lord blessed them in everything they did, and they were given prosperity until 110 years had ended. In the 194th year there was still peace, except a small part of the people revolted from the congregation and took upon themselves the name of Lamanites. In the 201st year, some began to be lifted up in pride, such as wearing expensive clothing and all kinds of fine pearls and wealthy possessions. From then on, they no longer shared their goods and material possessions equally. When 210 years had ended, there were many churches in the land. There were churches that claimed to know Christ, yet denied most of His gospel, so that they accepted all kinds of wickedness and administered sacred things to those to whom it had been forbidden, because of unworthiness. There was another church that denied Christ. They persecuted those who belonged to Christ’s true congregation because of their humility and belief in Christ. They despised them because of the many miracles that happened among them. Now in the 231st year there was a great separation among the people. In this year some people began calling themselves Nephites, and they were true believers in Christ. Those who rebelled against His gospel were called Lamanites, Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites. Their wicked parents taught them to hate God’s children, just as the Lamanites were taught to hate Nephi’s children from the beginning. This was the state of affairs among the people when 244 years had ended. The more wicked part of the people grew in strength and outnumbered God’s people. They continued to build up churches for themselves and decorate them with a variety of precious things. When 260 years had ended, the wicked part of the people again began to build up Gaddianton’s secret oaths and conspiracies. When 320 years came to an end, Ammaron, compelled by the Holy Ghost, hid all the sacred records that had been handed down. 4 Nephi
Mormon was born about 310 AD. He was dependable and mindful. Ammaron came to him when he was ten years old, and gave him instructions on the records he had hidden. His father Mormon, moved them to Zarahemla when he was eleven, and wars began. They were named after the land of Mormon, where Alma first baptized (Mosiah 9:8, 3 Nephi 2:17). Mormon was filled with sorrow all his days because of the people's wickedness. The land was cursed, so that if they buried valuables in the earth they couldn't be recovered - Mormon 1:4-6. Mormon was large and strong, so in the year 326, the Nephites appointed him to lead their armies, at the age of 16. In 327, they were driven out of the city of Angolah, and the land of David. The Nephites gathered in the land of Joshua. The land was full of Lamanites and robbers, and the entire government was completely overthrown. In 330, the Lamanite king Aaron attacked them but hastily retreated. In 345, the Nephites were chased to the city of Jashon, near where the records were hidden. Mormon retrieved the plates of Nephi and added to the record (1:7). They were pushed back to the land and city of Shem. The Lamanites attacked in 346 but quickly retreated. In 349, the Nephites took the fight to the Lamanites and Gaddianton robbers until they regained possession of their lands. In 350, the lands were divided between the Nephites, Lamanites and Gaddianton robbers, and they had 10 years of peace. In 360, Aaron sent Mormon a letter advising they were going to attack. The Nephites defeated them twice in 361 and 362 when they came against the city of Desolation, so they boasted and swore an oath by the heavens and by God’s throne that they would attack their enemies and destroy them, so Mormon refused to lead them (1:11). In 363, the Nephites attacked the Lamanites from the land of Desolation but were driven back. The Lamanites took the city of Desolation, and the survivors fled to the city of Teancum. In 364, the Lamanites attacked the city and were driven back. In 366, the Lamanites drove them out of Teancum, and sacrificed their prisoners to idols. In 367, the Nephites drove them out of their lands. In 375, the Nephites began to be swept down, and fled for safety in Boaz, and then in Jordan. Mormon took all the records from the hill Shim, that he later hid in the hill Cumorah (2:3, 4:2). Mormon again took command of their armies, knowing it would be the Nephite's last struggle. He wrote a letter to the Lamanite king, asking him to permit them to gather their people in the land of Cumorah, and the king accepted. When 384 ended, they had gathered the rest of the people. The Lamanites slew all but 24, and Mormon was wounded. The next day, the survivors surveyed the slaughter from the top of the hill Cumorah (3:3). Moroni picks up his fathers record, stating that Mormon was killed, and he was surviving alone (4:1). He added the Jaredite record, and commented about our day. He saw that the churches are corrupt (4:5), and added Mormon's words on faith, hope, and charity - Moroni 7, and why little children don't need baptism (8). He spoke about spiritual gifts (10). Truly, we will see Nephi (2 Nephi 15:2), Mormon (Mormon 1:12), and Moroni (10:7), at the judgement seat of the great Jehovah.
~ ETHER ~
Jared's people were continually led by the Lord to the promised land - Ether 1:6. The people wanted a king, which they knew would bring enslavement, but Orihah was made king before Jared and his brother passed (3:7). There were wars for power that continued through Shule's reign. Prophets came, and the people abused them, and Shule made laws to protect them (3:12). Omer replaced Shule, and his son Jared rebelled and gained half the kingdom. His brothers Esrom and Coriantumr were angry and attacked Jared by night, but didn't kill him because of his promise to give back the kingdom. Jared mourned his loss, and his daughter convinced him to take up the secret plans of old (3:17-19). Akish, who became her husband, established a secret society with his relatives and friends. The Lord warned Omer in a dream to leave, so he and those that went with him, went to the place where the Nephites were later slaughtered (4:1). Jared became king, and this society slew him on his throne, making Akish king. Akish was jealous of one of his sons, and kept him in prison with no food until he died, which angered his brother Nimrah, who went to live with Omer. There was a war between Akish and his sons, that resulted in only 30 people surviving, so Omer was restored to his own land (4:3). Emer succeeded Omer, and he administered justice all his days. His son Coriantum did likewise. Com replaced Coriantum. His son Heth slew him to be king. Prophets prophesied of a famine, but the people exiled them (4:7). The famine was fierce, and claimed all Heth's household but Shez, who established a righteous kingdom after the Lord removed the famine (4:9). Moroni 1:16-19, 2, 3:17-19
Riplakish replaced Shez, and imposed heavy burdens on the people, which they rebelled against and he died. His descendant Morianton, fought for the kingdom, and eased the people's burdens, but he wasn't righteous, nor was his son Kim, whose brother enslaved him. Kim's son Levi, obtained the kingdom, and did right in the Lord's eyes, as did his descendants Corom, Kish and Lib, until Hearthom, who ruled 24 years and lost the kingdom. He worked as a slave until the end of his life (4:15). His descendants Heth, Aaron, Amnigaddah, and Coriantum, lived in captivity until Com, who drew away half of the kingdom and ruled 42 years. He fought king Amgid for many years, until he gained the entire kingdom. Com fought against robbers who appeared in the land a great deal, but didn't defeat them. Many prophets prophesied of the nation's destruction, and that a great curse would come on the land, and their bones would be piled up on it, unless they repented of their evil and murders. The people didn’t listen to the Lord’s voice because of their wicked conspiracies and tried to kill them, and they fled to Com for protection (4:17). Shiblon succeeded Com. His brother fought against him causing a massive war, resulting in the most terrible disease, famine, and destruction ever experienced on earth, and he killed the prophets. The people began to repent of their iniquity. Then Shiblon was killed and Seth was captured. His son Ahah obtained the kingdom and ruled wickedly, resulting in many deaths, and his life was short. His descendant Ethem, was also very wicked. Prophets came to warn them and then withdrew from the people (4:19). Moron succeeded Ethem. The people rebelled because of that secret society that sought power and wealth. Moron lost the kingdom and lived in captivity the rest of his life, as did his son Coriantor. Prophets came prophesying great and marvelous things, and begged the people to repent, or the Lord would execute judgement to their complete destruction, but they were rejected because of their secret society and wicked abominations (4:21). Moroni's commentary (5).
Coriantor's son was Ether, who also prophesied great and marvelous things, but they cast him out and he lived in a cave (5:1, 6:4). King Coriantumr attacked the secret society that had tried to kill him. Ether warned him that if he and his household repented they'd be spared, otherwise, only he would survive and be buried by another people inheriting the land (6:5). The land was cursed by iniquity. Everyone held their tools in their hands so they didn't lose them, and every man kept his sword in his hand to defend his property (6:7). Coriantumr continued to fight against those trying to dethrone him. Shiz was ruthless, and pursued Coriantumr, destroying everything in his path, and wounded him (6:11). Ether witnessed all of this (6:15). Coriantumr remembered Ether's words and mourned greatly. He wrote a letter to Shiz advising he'd give up the kingdom if he'd spare the people (6:19). Shiz responded that if he could kill him he would, so they continued to fight. He wrote Shiz another letter requesting that he not return to battle, and spare the people, but the people's hearts were controlled by the adversary, and they returned to battle (6:17). They fought until Coriantumr was the only one left, and was subsequently buried by the Mulochites. Either hid the records, for a new people to find (6:20). "It doesn’t matter whether the Lord intends for me to be translated or that I submit to the Lord’s will in the flesh, as long as I’m saved in God’s kingdom. Amen" ~ Ether