‘Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been as well organized. … The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us … will stand in the battle—and how tall we will stand. … Great battles can make great heroes and heroines’
President Ezra Taft Benson
Why did Mormon use so much valuable space on the plates to record military intrigue and battle strategy?
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I love this question! And, I love this quote. It is a fight, we must know the ways & strategies of the evil forces to know how we are to fight them. Satan has used these same tactics over and over again. The more we read the Book of Mormon and befome familiar with how the Lord saves and protects His people (when they are righteous), the more we can draw upon the Lord's help and power to keep us on the right side of the battle. War is war is war is war, no matter if it is political, spiritual or truly over land & resources. The stakes are great (the human soul) and we must not stop the fight.
ReplyDeleteYes Natalie... and you said it more succinctly than I did :)
Delete(I think we were writing at the same time!)
I have learned so much from the war chapters, and have come to love the lessons as I continue to learn from them. Alma 43 & 44 are two of the best - and mark the last writings of Alma the Younger that Mormon includes in the record. Being introduced to Captain Moroni is always a thrill. He is such a perfect military leader, bringing out the patriot feelings of his soldiers. I marvel every time that their religious beliefs are at the core of why they fight the enemy who would destroy their peace.
ReplyDeleteMormon was inspired to compile a book for US - the latter day Saints. He must have been prompted to use the plates to record what we would most need to know in order to fight the enemy of our time. These are some of the things I continue to ponder in Alma 43 and 44, according to the pattern and example given:
* Know your enemy
* Those who once had truth become the bitterest enemies of righteousness
* Blind hatred does little to prepare an army for success in war
* Use all resources for defense and offense, including the prophet's counsel
* Preparation precedes power
* When boldness is called for, strike at the enemy's true weakness - in this case pride (symbolized by the scalp: man's own ideas and thinking)
* True leaders of righteousness do not thirst for blood but for peace - but they will be bold to shed blood FOR peace, if that step is indicated by the Lord.
Zarahemna is incredibly arrogant! Do we know of any situations like his example today? He wouldn't suffer any righteous design or person, nor would he let go of perceived past disrespect. Were they being attacked by the Nephites? no. Were they being preached to, or coerced by the Nephites to live a certain way? no. So what was their motivation? They demanded to be recognized - or revered - in their sinful choices. And they loathed those who wouldn't think as they did.
On the other side... Alma 44: 4 is a perfect statement of Moroni's motivation. The last three words are especially powerful. Verse 5 is pretty awesome too. Are we prepared to stand and bear a similar witness when we have opportunity to fight against our adversary?
Just reading about Captain Moroni is so wonderful. It gives me much hope for the future even though there are so much war around. Perhaps it is because of the moral integrity he has and how he leads. Just love it!!
ReplyDeleteI think that you both are right. Great insights ladies. I so appreciate your feedback and thoughts. They are so thought provoking and inspiring.