This is one of a series of posts about what is referred to as the war chapters in the Book of Mormon (chapters 45 through 62). The Kingdom of Light, the Lord of Light (Christ), the church of Christ, and the doctrine of Christ stand completely opposed to the Kingdom of darkness, the lord of darkness, the church of the devil, and the doctrine of the devil. The modern war chapters are being written as we speak. See with new eyes how the parallels in these specific chapters fulfill one of the three purposes of the Book of Mormon and it is a divine witness and a warning for each soul today.

Previously: Chapter 52

CHAPTER 53 (About 64-63 B.C.)

1 And it came to pass that they did set guards over the prisoners of the Lamanites, and did compel them to go forth and bury their dead, yea, and also the dead of the Nephites who were slain; and Moroni placed men over them to guard them while they should perform their labors.

2 And Moroni went to the city of Mulek with Lehi, and took command of the city and gave it unto Lehi. Now behold, this Lehi was a man who had been with Moroni in the more part of all his battles; and he was a man like unto Moroni, and they rejoiced in each other’s safety; yea, they were beloved by each other, and also beloved by all the people of Nephi. [Beloved is different than idolized. Every cause needs leadership and that can be manifested in different ways by various people. I believe they were beloved by each other for the common cause and beloved by the greater group of people because they were strong and steadfast in their pursuit of liberty, freedom. They were freemen after all. It’s interesting to note that the cause of liberty and freedom is rooted in enabling others—enabling everyone to have equal access to outcomes. In contrast, the cause of the kingmen is rooted in enabling or promoting a limited few where the general population becomes subjects to the ruling class/few. With that in mind, “beloved” would be akin to appreciated, respected, inspired by and gratitude for.]

3 And it came to pass that after the Lamanites had finished burying their dead and also the dead of the Nephites, they were marched back into the land Bountiful; and Teancum, by the orders of Moroni, caused that they should commence laboring in digging a ditch round about the land, or the city, Bountiful. [a symbol to the Lamanites that they were doing it “in defense of” (not offensive, instigating) the aggressive, offensive actions of the Lamanites/kingmen.]

4 And he caused that they should build a breastwork of timbers upon the inner bank of the ditch; and they cast up dirt out of the ditch against the breastwork of timbers; and thus they did cause the Lamanites to labor until they had encircled the city of Bountiful round about with a strong wall of timbers and earth, to an exceeding height. [defensive, not offensive]

5 And this city became an exceeding stronghold ever after; and in this city they did guard the prisoners of the Lamanites; yea, even within a wall which they had caused them to build with their own hands. Now Moroni was compelled to cause the Lamanites to labor, because it was easy to guard them while at their labor; and he desired all his forces when he should make an attack upon the Lamanites.

6 And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a victory over one of the greatest of the armies of the Lamanites, and had obtained possession of the city of Mulek, which was one of the strongest holds of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus he had also built a stronghold to retain his prisoners.

7 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle with the Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in preparing for war, yea, and in making fortifications to guard against the Lamanites, yea, and also delivering their women and their children from famine and affliction, and providing food for their armies. [defensive, not offensive]

8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land.

9 And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.

10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord [a spiritual conversion based on the first-hand witnesses]; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites.

11 And because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath they would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them.

12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites.

13 But it came to pass that when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country [their freedom, liberty].

14 But behold, as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.

15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls [very respectful of the individual relationship and personal journey of each soul with the Lord]; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time.

16 But behold, it came to pass they had many sons, who had not entered into a covenant that they would not take their weapons of war to defend themselves against their enemies; therefore they did assemble themselves together at this time, as many as were able to take up arms, and they called themselves Nephites.

17 And they entered into a covenant to fight for the liberty of the Nephites, yea, to protect the land unto the laying down of their lives; yea, even they covenanted that they never would give up their liberty, but they would fight in all cases to protect the Nephites and themselves from bondage. [This is an immense amount of respect for their own relationship with the Lord and their cause of personal liberty, freedom not just for themselves but for everyone they associated with.]

18 Now behold, there were two thousand of those young men, who entered into this covenant and took their weapons of war to defend their country.

19 And now behold, as they never had hitherto been a disadvantage to the Nephites, they became now at this period of time also a great support; for they took their weapons of war, and they would that Helaman should be their leader. [Helaman is a consensus leader, but not an idol.]

20 And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage [trusting in their Lord and the covenant they made with the Lord], and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted. [These were not perfect souls. The meaning of “true” in this situation means to have conviction and commitment to their cause.]

21 Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him. [“Truth and soberness” is a personal awareness and accountability of their relationship with God. It was based on what they were taught—they had knowledge. “Truth” is Mormon’s description meaning the cause that they were aligned to was the same that Mormon was aligned with. You’re getting Mormon’s witness equally as much as you are getting the witness of these people. Keeping the commandments of God is not referring to obedience to the ten commandments or strict obedience to some spiritual leader (like qualifying for a temple recommend.) Instead, this is about seeking personal revelation (the personal commands/directives/guidance of the Lord) and then having the courage to act on it (walking uprightly.) This is exercising and living by faith.]

22 And now it came to pass that Helaman did march at the head of his two thousand stripling soldiers, to the support of the people in the borders of the land on the south by the west sea.

23 And thus ended the twenty and eighth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

[These modern war chapters continue to be about the ongoing battle for freedom vs. bondage. Freedom is the basis for enabling each individual soul to work out their own salvation with the Lord through the doctrine of Christ. “And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ.” (Alma 34:30-41) “O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.” (Mormon 9:25-28). These modern war chapters remind us that in tough days now and tougher ahead we will need to depend on our own personal relationship with the Lord, our commitment to Him, and the cause of light with truth/knowledge and soberness.]

Next: The Modern War Chapters: Alma 54

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For more understanding of this covenant path and its milestones taught throughout the scriptures, you are welcome to begin your personal study and your own journey in and through the doctrine of Christ in The Doctrine of Christ Study Guide. Also, to help you increase your confidence in personal revelation and develop your own gift of discernment, I invite you to study The 3 Voices of Personal Revelation Study Guide.

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