Book of Mormon Commentary - Alma 8

by Don R. Hender

Scriptural Text [& Editorial]	Commentary & Explanation	Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
CHAPTER 8 Alma preaches and baptizes in Melek—He is rejected in Ammonihah and leaves—An angel commands him to return and cry repentance unto the people—He is received by Amulek, and the two of them preach in Ammoniah. [About 82 B.C.]
1 AND now it came to pass that Alma returned from the ^aland of Gideon, after having taught the people of Gideon many things which cannot be written, having established the ^border of the church, according as he had before done in the land of Zarahemla, yea, he returned to his own house at Zarahemla to rest himself from the labors which he had performed. 2 And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the judges^a over the people of Nephi.	2^a thus ended the ninth year of the reign of teh judges It was in the commencement of this year, 83 B.C., that Alma did yield up the judgment seat. And it was in this year that Alma did preach unto the church in the immediate lands about the provincial and national capital the city of Zarahemla. And after setting in order the church in the province of Zarahemla and the church there, Alma in this same year did go into the land, valley and city of Gideon unto that church which was there, it most likely being one of the seven provincial churches of the greater national lands of the nation of Zarahemla.	1^a Alma 2:20; Alma 6:7 ^b TG Church Organization
~ 82 B.C. ~
3 And it came to pass in the commencement of the ^tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Alma departed from thence and took his journey over into the land of ^aMelek^a, on the west of the ^briver Sidon, on the west by the borders of the wilderness. 4 And he began to teach the people in the land of Melek according to the ^aholy order of God, by which he had been called; and he began to teach the people throughout all the land of Melek^a. 5 And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout all the borders of the land which was by the wilderness side^a. And they were baptized throughout all the land; The Seven Churches* Towards the end of the Book of Mosiah, when the people had began to spread themselves throughout the land, it is recorded that they had to establish seven churches, or what we might term 'regional stake centers', throughout the land in order to service the people, there being too many people over too far a distance to service from one church center. As Alma begins his mission to the churches throughout the land, we are able to identify at least four of these seven churches which were mentioned in Mosiah 25:19-23 (about 120 B.C.). The first understandably was the 'center regional stake' of Zarahemla, which likely included the cities and villages immediately adjacent Zarahemla which likely may have included Minon, named in Alma chapter 2. The second church would have been that church of the seven which had been established in the valley of Gideon which was according to its named founded by Gideon and those who followed and associated them selves with Gideon, a righteous group of the people of Limhi likely for the most part. A third church, according to Alma's missiona agenda, would have been that associated with the land of Melek. Those of Melek were also a 'more righteous' people like Gideon, for they responded well to Alma's preachings. Whether this was people from King Limhi's group or just a population needing to spread out from Zarahemla is not ascertainable. If of Limhi's people, perhaps it was they who were of the 'king', of 'Melek', the name Melek meaning 'king' in Hebrew. The fourth church identifiable from Alma's missionary efforts is that of Ammonihah. Ammoniah was obvious another 'regional center' which likely included the city of Noah near by and perhaps also Sidom. Because of the fulfillment of one of the credical prophecies of Abinadi, at least the 'leadership' of this regional city can be associated with the more 'wicked' part of Limhi's people who did not keep the faith but retrogressed back to being of the order of priestcraft or of Nehor. It seems that each of the seven churches are well spread out over the face of the land, with each 'church' being a regional center servicing all the people, cities and villages of that region. It would seem logical to presume that each of these regional localities would not only have their own ordained church leadership, but that they would also each have their own 'chief judge' or that entire region of the land. There seems to be only two regional churches of the western parallel valley, Melek and Ammonihah, as when Alma is expelled from the regional capital of Ammonihah, he proceeds to take leave of the entire western valley and to travel the great distance over the the regional captial of Aaron, which was according to other Book of Mormon references located in the region of the eastern plain east of the eastern cordilleras. Some suppose there to be two cities of Aaron, Aaron west and Aaron east. But that is only necessarily according to logic, but rather according to personal supposition. Logic would support that Alma had been to 4 of the 7 churches, and that the next regional church center could well be entirely apart from the west and back not only across the Sidon Valley, but even over into the eastern lands. Else one would begin to suppose that the churches were weighted to the west, which is not necessarily so, as Alma will later be reported as teaching in other lands (perhaps Aaron being church 5 of the plains of Jershon an area populated by the Nephites before turning it over to the people of Ammon), traveling to Manti on the south (perhaps church 6), and then to the land of Antionum (perhaps church 7, though this church had also, like Ammonihah, become totally corrupted).	3^a 'over' 'into' the land of Melek Melek was to the west of the river Sidon. Immediately to the west of Zarahmela was the wilderness into which the Amlicites and Lamanites had been driven in the 5th year of the Judges, 5 years earlier in about 87 B.C. Thus, though Melek was west of the Sidon River Valley, we must presume that it was not immediately west of Zarahemla. And though it reports that Melek did also border of the west wilderness, since the wilderness of 'her' 'mountains' or Hermounts included all that wilderness round about the land, it cannot be presumed that Melek was the same river valley of Sidon, but merely west of it. And the 'wilderness' upon which Melek was by was of that greater wilderness which covered the land and that Melek was a valley low land bounded by wilderness. Now to travel to Melek from the river Sidon valley, according to the Book of Mormon, one had to travel 'over' the central cordilleras up out of the Sidon Valley and thence on down 'into' the next parallel valley. And there in that next valley over from the river Sidon was the land of Melek, likely in a upper valley region of the river which flowed through that parallel valley. Certainly such civilizations of the Book of Mormon era were not different from any other era, and they would have to be near fresh flowing water sources. 4^a throughout all the land of Melek Now we are not to suppose that Melek was a small village. Alma preached throughout all the land of Melek indicating that Melek was a vast land size. In fact we must presume that Melek covered much of the upper valley of that parallel land as it was three days journey north of Melek before another land or city was to be found. 5^a the people came to him throughout all the borders of the land which was by the wilderness side Now Melek was a regional land of some size but like all the settlements of the nation of Zarahemla they all were initially carved out of the wilderness with wilderness upon its borders. Here when it speaks of the 'borders of the land' it is speaking of the borders of the regional province of Melek. This would include the all the villages, towns, communities and cities of the regional land of Melek. One assumption would include a capital city by the name of Melek though none of the towns or cities of Melek are ever mentioned. Seven Churches Possibility Regional Centers & Capital Cities 1) Zarahemla: Central Sidon Valley 2) Gideon: Gideon Valley 3) Melek: Upper Parallel Valley 4) Ammonihah: Lower Parallel Valley 5) Aaron: North-Eastern Plains (Jershon) 6) Manti: Southern Highlands 7) Antionum: South-Eastern / Zoramites Now there is room for discussion as to Bountiful being one of the church centers also, but as of this date of Mosiah when they were created it is not certain is Bountiful was existant as a provinial region or just a wilderness territory. Bountiful could be inclued either upon the exclusion of Antionum under the premise it was not existant at the time of Mosiah. Or it could be seven church centers not to include Zarahemla the central church offices.	3^* [82 B.C.] ^a Alma 31:6 ^b Alma 6:7; Alma 16:6-7 4^a D&C 107:3 (2-4); TG Priesthood
6 So that when he had finished his work at Melek he departed thence, and traveled three days' journey on the north of the land of Melek^a; and he came to a city which was called ^aAmmonihah. 7 Now it was the custom of the people of Nephi to call their lands, and their cities, and their villages, yea, even all their small villages, after the ^aname of him who first possessed them; and thus it was with the land of Ammonihah. 8 And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammonihah he began to preach the word of God unto them. AMMONIHAH Ammonihah was the 'capital' city of the north-western region or province of the land of Zarahemla at this period of time. It ruled and coverned all of that sector of the land. It had it own 'chief judge' which was over that region and it was the captial city of that regional church, it being most likely one of the orginal seven churches mentioned in Mosiah chapter 25 which Alme the elder had established in his day. Now in the day of Alma the younger, the regional church had become totally apostate and corrupted having become after the order of Nehors, practicing priestcraft. Its governing officals had also become corrupted in the same manner, performing their duties to get monetary gain rather than working truth and justice to the benefit of the people. Alma was rejected by the high officials of this region's capital city and was expelled by them from that region. (Click here for more concerning the city of Ammonihah)	6^a three days' journey on the north of the land of Melek Now we are not told what Alma's mode of travel was. It could have been upon foot which seems to place Ammonihah about 70 to 100 miles north of Melek or it could have been by boat down river which could extend the distance to 200 miles or more as 70 miles per day down river is a feasible consideration. The natural understanding is that being north of Melek and Melek being in the parallel valley to the valley of Sidon which runs a great distance; we are to presume that Ammoniah is also to the west of the river Sidon, the valley of Sidon and in that same parallel valley which contains the land of Melek in its upper region and now Ammoniah in a lower region of that parallel valley. Considering two parallel valleys such as that of Sidon and the valley of Melek and Ammonihah, one must preclude upon the concept that there were thus three parallel mountainous ranges also. The east range of mountains to the east of Sidon, a central range of mountains between Sidon and Melek and Ammonihah, and a third western range to the west and in the wilderness west of Melek and Ammonihah. Such consideration sets out two valleys, two rivers, within three ranges of mountains. And we have already discussed that there was a 'break' in the eastern range which contained the land, valley and city of Gideon.	6^a Alma 9:1 7^a Ether 2:13
9 Now Satan had gotten great ^ahold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma. 10 Nevertheless Alma ^alabored much in the spirit, ^bwrestling with God in ^cmighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance.		9^a 2 Ne. 28:20 (19-22); D&C 10:20 10^a Alma 17:5 ^b Enos 1:2 (1-12) ^c 3 Ne. 27:1; D&C 5:24; D&C 29:2
11 Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold, we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high priest over the church which thou hast established in many parts of the land, according to your tradition; and we are not of thy church^a, and we do not believe in such foolish traditions. 12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church we know that thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the judgment-seat unto ^aNephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us. 13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and ^areviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be ^bcast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron^a.	11^a we are not of thy church Now this declaration may be considered variously. For if indeed Alma was about the task of setting in order the seven established churches in the land, this this church had become a law unto itself, totally postate and turned from the truth of God. And the statement concerning Alman not being of this church would but mean that Alma was of the church in Zarahemla, that church of the seven churches and that now this church of the seven which was once one church and of the truth of God, had appostasized and become separated from the other churches of God, becoming their own church after the order of Nehor and no longer after the true order of God. 13^a took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron If one follows the logic that Alma was attempting to visit each of the seven church centers, it would be logical to conclude that he had in his mind completed his mission to the two western regional churches of the seven. He had found success in Melek, the south-western region, and had been expelled from Ammoniah, the north-western regional center. In such consideration, it is not at all surprising that Alma would next turn to 'journey' over to one of the eastern church regional centers, for he had already ministered to the two 'central regional centers' of Zarahemla and Gideon. Aaron seems to be the capital administering city of the north-eastern church. And thus it would be Alma's next logcial center to visit. Alma had likely intended to spend much more time in the land region of Ammonihah, but was expelled in short order. If he had spent his designed time there, Alma may had rested at Zarahemla again rather than to pursue his mission to the east. But rather than waste an entire half of a year, since he had been expelled from Ammonihah. It seems logical that Alma would proceed over the the north-eastern church center next, Aaron. Where else would he go? Manti and Antionum, the other two remaining church centers were even further distance than was Aaron.	12^a Alma 4:20 13^a 1 Cor. 4:12 ^b Alma 8:24
14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much ^atribulation and anguish of soul, because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an ^bangel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying: 15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that ^adelivered it unto you^a.	15^a I am he that delivered it unto you This angel was the same ministering angel of the Lord who had called Alma unto repentance (Mosiah 27:11). Now beyond this the angel is not further identified, but is does seem by the words which he previously spoke that is it an angel sent by the Lord and not the Lord himself as is the case upon some occasions when it speaks of the Angel of the Lord, meaning the actual premortal spirit of the Lord doing and performing as a ministering angel himself.	14^a TG Tribulation ^b Mosiah 3:2-3; Alma 10:20 (7-10, 20) 15^a Mosiah 27:11-16
16 And behold, I am sent to ^acommand thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will ^bdestroy them. 17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the ^astatutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.		16^a Gal. 2:2; Hel. 13:3 ^b Alma 9:12 (4, 12, 18, 24) 17^a Alma 1:1, 14; TG Commandments of God
18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah^a. 19 And as ^ahe entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a man: Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat? 20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an ^aangel said in a vision: Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart unto thee of my ^bfood; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house^a.	18^a And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah. When Alma was expelled from the city of Ammonihah, it does not specifically state by which gate of the city he was expelled. Nor when Alma first entered the city does it state by which entrance he did originally enter. The concept of Alma at this time entering the city by another way is that of attempting to enter the city unrecognized. Alma may have been recognized at either city gate which he entered the first time or from which he was expelled. Thus the presumption is that Alma, when he entered the southern gate, he was entering that gate which he had not so before passed either coming or going. But this does present somewhat of a mystery. For Alma first came to Ammoniah from the land of Melek which lay 3 days south of Ammonihah, Alma haveing traveled north 3 days from the land of Melek before arriving in that next land. So why would Alma not have entered into the south gate of Ammonihah the first time? There is an ensightful complete discussion which answers this and many question about Ammoniah. 20^a thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house This is particularly true in the eternal and spiritual sense. Alma would be the source of Amulek's house unto eternal life. But what about the immediate physical welfare of Amulek's house. If Amulek had been more concerned about his family's temporal temporay well being than their eternal well being, Amulek would likely have apostasized from the chruch. But Amulek became one of the great missionaries of the church along side of Alma. But what happened to Amulek's household temporally? All the women and children of the true believers in Christ of the city of Ammonihah had been burned to death with fire by the wicked leaders of Ammonihah. Was this the temporal fate of Amulek's family? How great is your conversion to the Lord. Would are you able to set aside all temporal hardships and set backs, even the wrongful deaths of family member when it is so associated with church membership, and count it the blessings of heaven that they are saved eternally, overlooking their temporal deaths? Have you the faith and conviction of Amulek?	19^a Alma 10:8 20^a Alma 10:7-9 ^b 1 Kings 17:11 (8-13)
21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his house; and the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and meat and set before Alma. 22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled; and he ^ablessed Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God.		22^a Alma 10:11
23 And after he had eaten and was filled he said unto Amulek: I am Alma, and am the ^ahigh priest over the church of God throughout the land. 24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of God among all this people, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy; and I was in this land and they would not receive me, but they ^acast me out and I was about to set my back towards this land forever^a. 25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn again and prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them concerning their iniquities.	24^a I was about to set my back towards this land forever When a prophet of god does set his back towards a place or people, wo be unto that place and people, for the Lord has withdrawn from them and they are ripened in their sins unto destruction.	23^a Alma 5:3, 44, 49; Alma 13:1-20 24^a Alma 8:13
26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me in, thou art blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days. 27 And Alma ^atarried many days with Amulek before he began to preach unto the people. 28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their iniquities.		27^a Alma 10:10
29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant ^aAmulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, saying—Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my ^bfierce anger away. 30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.		26^a Alma 10:1 ^b Alma 9:12, 18
31 And they had ^apower given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their ^bpower until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them. 32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord had given them.		31^a Alma 14:10 ^b Alma 14:25 (17-29)
^* Verse 3 [82 B.C.].

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