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THE BOOK OF ALMA
THE soN OF ALMA
The account of Alma, who was the son of Alma, the first and chief judge over the people of Nephi, and also the high priest over the Church. An account of the reign of the judges, and the wars and contentions among the people. And also an account of a war between the Nephites and the Lamanites, according to the record of Alma, the first and chief judge.
CHAPTER 1
Nehor teaches false doctrines, establishes a church, introduces priestcraft, and slays Gideon—He is executed for his crimes—Priestcraft's and persecutions spread among the people—The priests support themselves, the people care for the poor, and the Church prospers. [ About 91—90 B.C. ]
1 NOW it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, [ Less than one year after the death of Mosiah. ] from this time forward, king Mosiah having gone the way of all the earth, having warred a good warfare, walking uprightly before God, leaving none to reign in his stead; nevertheless he had established laws, [ set up a form of government with laws and judgements for breaking those laws ] and they were acknowledged by the people; [Acknowledged = widely recognized; generally accepted:, incapable of being questioned; ] therefore [ As a result - So he had set a standard such that it became the culture, it was who they were and what they believed. ] they were obliged to abide by the laws which he had made.
2 And it came to pass that in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment-seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; [ How does one bear down against the church? To bear down means: "to exert full strength and concentrated attention to". What would that look like today if someone was bearing down against the church? How would he have done this in this day and age? He would have held a press conference; had a vigil or posted all over the web his own personal comments about the church - something like “I have my personal complaints about the Church", after he had continued to express his differences - usually over doctrine the next comment would be “I got into trouble for just asking questions”. The crowd would gather to his defense; how horrible you have been treated, you are no different than all of the others who have “just asked questions”. However; what Nehor actually did was make a series of assertions that were contrary to doctrine. He does it with the clam that this is for the good of the people - you know those who are or have been offended. After all Nehor was speaking for those who were anxious and depressed; those who found the laws of the Church terribly strict. Believing that he had a more enlightened attitude toward them than God did. His logic might have been something like, if this “strait is the way” doctrine is God’s, “he’s got a lot of explaining to do.” Here was his alternative doctrine: “that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice;…and in the end, all men should have eternal life (Alma 1:4). That is certainly a very soft and amiable revision of the gospel Alma was teaching. No wonder Nehor was the first to introduce “priestcraft” ,“that every priest and teacher ought to become popular.” You’d get a lot of support with a popular doctrine like that—riches, honor and even a few quotes in the national press. The sound bites that further your message - after all it is what the media wants to propagate as well. After all someone had to stand up to the disenfranchised; right, and Nehor was their champion. His idea appeals to those who would like to be able to do whatever they’d want now and still claim all the blessings of eternity later. Preaching repentance never has or will ever be popular. It will not get you likes on your Facebook page. This idea that “all men shall have eternal life” is a doctrine easy to understand at a quick glance and requires no spiritual or mental exertion. Today Nehor, the blogger, would say that the best thing about his doctrine was that it was inclusive. His teachings was for all those who were marginalized, implying, of course, that the Church and the God it represents is narrow, and that asserting standards is bigotry. Maybe tomorrow when the Church becomes more progressive and international, it will drop its outmoded doctrines. A grand sleight of hand. Was it not after all, the tolerant Nehor who murdered Gideon for maintaining the gospel point of view. This is the fruit of a morally superior position? This is his inclusiveness? Beyond that, the idea that Nehor had something on God in inclusiveness is simply a lie. ] declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; [ Suggesting that they need to have politicians. Remember all they have known is kings that appoints priests and teachers. What does that mean? If they are to be popular what can they teach? That which is popular - that which the people want to hear. ] and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people. [ Teach the people what they want to hear and make it so that there is a reward for you as well for giving them what they want. sounds like Burger King - have it your way. ]
4 And he also testified unto the people [ What is his message? ] that [1]all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that [2] they need not fear nor tremble, [ Implying that they should have fun, that they should live for today. ] but that [3] they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for [4] the Lord had created all men, and had [5]also redeemed all men; [6]and, in the end, all men should have eternal life. [ so what exactly is wrong with his message - what is missing? Repentance and the atonement, there is no accountability for your own actions. sound familiar? The atonement does not apply unless they believe in Christ and submit to his commandments and ordinances. See 2 Ne;Jacob 4:11; 2 Ne 9:1-17 Does this not sound like Satan's plan? Sure, it sounds good that Christ saved us all, and therefore no matter what we do we will be saved, but if we take a moment and think about it…wasn’t that exactly Satan’s plan to begin with? “And not one soul should be lost”? No responsibility, no contract, do whatever you want with no consequences in the end. Hmmm…surely there’s a catch…]
5 And it came to pass that he did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money. [ What does this tell us about him if he is teaching for gain? What words do you choose to use if you are serving for money? Practicing priestcraft which has been condemned by various prophets including Alma. See Mosiah 29:40; Mosiah 18:26-28; Mosiah 27:4-5 Also 2 Ne. 26:29 ]
6 And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, [ Clue number two that he is not a man of God; humility has been replaced with pride, and the proud are not subject to the spirit. The more popular he is the more power he has. How hard is it for someone seeking to be popular to say something that will offend the masses? Does pride effect us as individuals in what we choose to believe and how we choose to live? ] and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church [ His purpose is to establish a church, a following. so what is missing here? Do you suppose that it would be important to have God's blessings and power if you were going to represent him? ] after the manner of his preaching. [ A church designed to suit his needs as well as those whom he could persuade to follow him as well. What is missing here? No authority or claim of having any authority; If he is deciding what the rules are; the organization... We might ask ourselves - what is the purpose of this church then? To make people feel good in doing whatever they like? ]
7 And it came to pass as he was going, to preach to those who believed on his word, he met a man who belonged to the church of God, yea, even one of their teachers; and he began to contend with him sharply, that he might lead away the people of the church; but the man withstood him, [ What made Gideon so successful in withstanding and challenging the false teachings? He had knowledge of the gospel, knew his scriptures, was the Lords anointed, taught with the spirit? ] admonishing [1) to warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness 2) to counsel against wrong practices 3) to instruct or direct 4) in ecclesiastical affairs~ to approve a member of the church for fault ~ either publicly or privately]  him with the words of God.
8 Now the name of the man was Gideon; and it was he who was an instrument in the hands of God in delivering the people of Limhi out of bondage.
9 Now, because Gideon withstood him with the words of God he was wroth with Gideon, [ In essence we could say that Gideon had humiliated him. Now if you recall the people of Zarahemla would have been living the Laws of Moses, which stated in Duet 13 that a person who was leading others into apostasy could be put to death. However; under jewish tradition and Israelite law the offending person would need to be confronted first and warned that they were leading others into apostasy 2 Chron 19:5, 10. So more than likely Gideon was doing just that. As the mouth peace for God he putting the message out there that Nehor needed to stop or face consequences. Nehor did not like that to the extent that he became wroth. Again looking at Israelite law in Numbers 35 when murder is committed under the pretense of anger and hatred then the offense is greater. It was not an accident, it was not just the by product of a fight betwenn two. No; it was pre-meditated as Nehor let anger get the best of him and designed to kill Gideon. THe result made the punishment easier for Alma to deliver to Nehor. ] and drew his sword and began to smite him. [ What reasons would he have for becoming so violent so quickly? 1) He had been humiliated, 2) this was his lively hood Gideon was messing with and he could see it all vanishing away 3) he was a proud man - humiliation for the proud is a very hard pill to swallow 4) He most likely had a little of evil spirit within] Now Gideon being stricken with many years, therefore he was not able to withstand his blows, therefore he was slain by the sword. [ It appears that there were members of the church there that saw it all take place, why did they not stop this, did it all happen so fast? No one was expecting a church meeting to turn into a beating; it was a new concept. We go there in peace to worship God not expecting anything to happen. Because it happens so fast and is so unexpected there is little anyone can do to help. ]
10 And the man [ Notice that they do not even feel to give him recognition by name until the very end of the account. Then with just a slight statement of oh by the way his name was Nehor. ] who slew him [ Gideon ] was taken by the people of the church, and was brought before Alma, to be judged according to the crimes which he had committed.
11 And it came to pass that he stood before Alma and pleaded for himself with much boldness. [ What defense do you suppose that he used to justify himself? Maybe he used the defense that Gideon was robbing him of his paycheck - pretty weak but it appears to be what Alma responds to. ]
12 But Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft [ The stratagems and frauds of priests; fraud or imposition in religious concerns; management of selfish and ambitious priests to gain wealth and power, or to impose on the credulity of others. ] has been introduced among this people. And behold, thou art not only guilty of priestcraft, but hast endeavored to enforce it by the sword; [ So Alma is very careful here in the sentence placed on Nehor. He has to walk a fine line as he has established that people should be able to believe what they want as part of the plan for true equality among the people. If Alma would have simple convicted Nehor of priestcraft some would have suggested that there was no equality in regard to belief. Alma suggests that the crime for which the sentence will be administered will be enforcing your belief by the use of the sword. ] and were priestcraft to be enforced [ In a way any thing that is enforced upon the people would take away their agency, so that would not be good for the people. But if priestcraft were the rule then what ever you want to do is kind of the rule. Without disipline, laws and rule society does not prosper. ] among this people it would prove their entire destruction.[ Why would priestcraft prove to be the destruction of the people? Because it would be telling them what they wanted to hear and not what the Lord wanted them to here. So both the teacher teaches what makes the people happy, and the students are flattered into the idea that all is well with them. Everyone wins except their salvation. You can carry that thought forward in time as well. If the [plans of Nehor) were allowed to be adopted in the pre-existence then this priestcraft philosophy would prove the entire destruction of the Lord's eternal plan--"the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Had Satan's (Nehor's) plan been accepted in the premortal existence, it would have negated all the varying degrees of progression that had been attained up to that point in man's premortal existence. Thus, there would have been no "noble and great ones" because all the laws upon which they were judged to be "noble and great" would have been made void. There would have been no allowance for birthright blessings which would accompany man into his earthly existence. There would be no reward for righteousness on the highest level during earthly existence, for Satan would save everybody. But in order to do that, just like Nehor, he would have made himself popular by lowering the standards, thus negating the Lord's plan which had been in existence from the beginning. "To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man," is to raise man to the Lord's level of eternal life--to become like God. Satan's plan would have destroyed the agency of man in premortal existence. It would have removed accountability by making it of no effect. It wasn't so much that Satan was going to force people to do good, it was that Satan was going to alter God's standards so that God's children would not have any accountability, which in effect is damnation.]
13 And thou hast shed the blood of a righteous man, yea, a man who has done much good among this people; and were we to spare thee his blood would come upon us for vengeance.
14 Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, [ So the judgement rendered against this man are as follows: 1) you enforced priestcraft by the sword; 2) you shed the blood of an innocent man; in which the prescribed penalty under the law is the death penalty. ] our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide by the law.
15 And it came to pass that they took him; and his name was Nehor; and they carried him upon the top of the hill [ It is an interesting fact that all mountains, regardless of size, are referred to as "hills" in the Book of Mormon. The Hebrew term "harar" is translated "hill or mountain." It is the term used for referring to large elevations. The translators of the Old Testament have sometimes rendered the term "hill" and sometimes rendered the term "mountain." Apparently Joseph Smith saw fit to render it "hill" in all instances where an elevation was referred to by name in the Nephite account. In doing so he was doing an excellent job of translating. (Roy E. Weldon, Book of Mormon Deeps, Vol. III, p. 296) ] Manti, and there he was caused, or rather [ There were no erasers for inscribing onto the plates so the author was left to transition any mistake - to clarify the language already used. ] did acknowledge, between the heavens and the earth, that what he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; [ What he had taught to the people was contrary to the word of God; and there he suffered an ignominious death." According to Hugh Nibley, the phrase "between the heavens and the earth" has a ritual connection with an ancient literary legend--the legend of Harut and Marut. In the days of Enoch the Watchers came to the earth and started corrupting men. They started taking the sacred ordinances and claiming them, but perverting them. They claimed that they had the right gospel. They gave a false slant and a false teaching to it, and justified all sorts of immorality. Therefore, Harut and Marut [the Watchers] were hanged on a high hill because the earth would not accept them. They were the first to betray the law of God to men. There was plenty of wickedness and murder, etc., but they were doing it in the name of the gospel and the priesthood. They introduced the temple ordinances but falsified them. There is quite a story about the Watchers here. . . . They were hanged between heaven and earth because the earth wouldn't receive them, just as it wouldn't receive Cain. Remember, the earth refused her strength to Cain. And heaven wouldn't receive them. So what can you do? You can just leave them hanging there because neithers would receive them. And they hang there until the Day of Judgment--that's the point. That's very widespread; everybody knows about the story of Harut and Marut suspended between heaven and earth because they were the first corrupters of the human race in the name of preaching religion. Hugh W. Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 2, pp. 219-220; English Orientalist and scholar David Samuel Margoliouth asserted that Harut and Marut were none other than Jannes and Jambres, the two magicians mentioned in II Timothy 3:8 as being the Egyptian magicians who withstood the Prophet Moses in the court of Pharaoh in Exodus 7:8-12. ] and there he suffered an ignominious [ Marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame. ] death. [ Why is the act that Nehor suffered an ignominious of any concern? Because this trail was in essence a trail to test Alma's political clout and judicial power in the earth period of the reign of the judges. The question that were un-answered at the time included: How would the new system of judges work? What would the power of the chief judge be? . . . How would the recently enunciated principle of equality and the rubric that a person could not be punished for his beliefs be interpreted and applied in actual practice? . . . All these were open questions that would be tested and settled, intentionally or unintentionally, by the precedent-setting trial of Nehor. Not only did Nehor have to be “carried” to his place of execution, suggesting that he resisted his fate in an undignified manner, and he was likely stoned, a method of execution known from both ancient Israel and ancient Meso-america, and one that would have “connoted shame.” That Mormon would say that Nehor’s death was “ignominious” shows the prophet-historian’s complete disdain for one of the Nephites’ worst dissenters. From the perspective of Nephite law, then, and through Mormon’s moralizing narrative, that Nehor’s death was “ignominious” is understandable. That his ignominious teachings, which did not die with him, would later affect so many lives for the worst is just one of many tragedies in the Book of Mormon. ]
16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor. [ The reason why these men preached what the people wanted to hear. The very reason that man cannot preach for money; as if he does he will at some time preach not what God wants them to hear but what his pocket book wants them to hear. There seem to always be someone who is willing to deceive in exchange fo riches. ]
17 Nevertheless, they durst not lie, if it were known, for fear of the law, [ Lying was against the law. ] for liars were punished; therefore they pretended to preach according to their belief; and now the law could have no power on any man for his belief. [ The laws of good government will honor mens's agency to worship how, and who they may. ]
18 And they durst not steal, for fear of the law, for such were punished; [ Note that there is a punishment attached to each laws, Do you suppose the punishment was a deterrent? What does the sense of accountability for breaking the law provide? How does agency apply? ] neither durst they rob, nor murder, for he that murdered was punished unto death.
19 But it came to pass that whosoever did not belong to the church of God began to persecute those that did belong to the church of God, and had taken upon them the name of Christ.
20 Yea, they did persecute them, and afflict them with all manner of words, and this because of their humility; because they were not proud in their own eyes, and because they did impart the word of God, one with another, without money and without price.
21 Now there was a strict law among the people of the church, that there should not any man, belonging to the church, arise and persecute those that did not belong to the church, and that there should be no persecution among themselves. [ Making them somewhat easy targets. They would not fight back or retaliate so why not pick on them. ]
22 Nevertheless, there were many among them [ These are members of the church. ] who began to be proud, and began to contend warmly with their adversaries, even unto blows; yea, they would smite one another with their fists. [ this is another way of laying on of hands...ha ha. ]
23 Now this was in the *second year of the reign of Alma, and it was a cause of much affliction [ To strike down or cast down~ adversity~ distress~ grief~ trouble~ trial or sorrow] to the church; yea, it was the cause of much trial with the church.
24 For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, [ What does it mean if your name is blotted out? You are excommunicated - which means that those blessing once promised to you; those ordinances once completed were now no longer in effect. ] that they were remembered no more among the people of God. And also many withdrew themselves from among them. [ some were excommunicated and there names were removed, other just quit participating, maybe because of all of the persecution. I would suppose that as some members were excommunicate some of their family members may have felt they were treated unjustly and they would have fallen away as well. ]
25 Now this [ The fact that the members of the church could not persecute those who were persecuting them, nor could they retaliate. This is a hard thing to do - to take abuse and not do something. The early saints suffered the same plights. It was a trail to see so many that you love leave, and I suppose that their reason - each of them for leaving would cause the members a little doubt. ] was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience the persecution which was heaped upon them. [ What was the difference between those that overcame the trials and those who did not? vs 24 those with hardened hearts where not able to overcome. ]
26 And when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength. [ A little side note of commentary here, as Alma try's to inject that the priests of God were different than those practicing priestcraft. Here he compares some of the characterists of each type of priest. Who would you rather follow? ]
27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; [ The Church appears to be practicing the Law of Consecration. ] and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely.
28 And thus they did establish the affairs of the church; and thus they began to have continual peace again, notwithstanding all their persecutions.
29 And now, because of the steadiness of the church [ Because the members were contributing generously to the fast offering, tithing, and welfare programs. ] they began to be exceedingly rich, having abundance of all things whatsoever they stood in need— an abundance of flocks and herds, and fatlings of every kind, and also abundance of grain, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious things, and abundance of silk and fine-twined linen, [ Hugh Pinnock writes that polysyndeton is among the easiest of repetitious ancient Hebrew writing forms to identify because it repeats "the word and at the beginning of successive clauses." A good example of polysyndeton in the Book of Mormon is found in Alma 1:29:
an abundance of flocks
and herds
and fatlings of every kind,
and also abundance of grain,
and of gold,
and of silver,
and of precious things,
and abundance of silk
and fine-twined linen,
and all manner or good homely cloth.

Easily recognizable, polysyndeton was a tool frequently used by Hebrew writers and is an obvious support for the Book of Mormon's Hebraic roots. [Hugh W. Pinnock, Finding Biblical Hebrew and Other Ancient Literary Forms in the Book of Mormon, FARMS, 1999, pp. 21-23, 27 ] and all manner of good homely cloth. [ "Homely" means of the home, domestic. It refers to characteristics suitable for home life or everyday living. Thus, "good homely cloth" was apparently very nice, practical cloth suitable for everyday living. In 2017  LiDAR technology has uncovered remains of animal pens, and reveals that food production was at an industrial scale. The Book of Mormon similarly talks about the vast production of food and domestication of animals. National Geographic Special. http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/180201-lost-treasures-maya-snake-king-ngc ]
30 And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; [ How does not having our hearts set on riches, make giving to the poor and the church easier? ] therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.
31 And thus they did prosper and become far more wealthy than those who did not belong to their [ The distinction here between the two churches. The one which every member in a way was out for himself (see next verse), and the other church where everyone shared what they had with everyone. ] church.
32 For those who did not belong to their church did indulge themselves in sorceries, and in idolatry or idleness, and in babblings, and in envyings and strife; wearing costly apparel; being lifted up in the pride of their own eyes; persecuting, lying, thieving, robbing, committing whoredoms, and murdering, and all manner of wickedness; nevertheless, the law was put in force upon all those who did transgress it, inasmuch as it was possible. [ Everyone was accountable for their own actions. ]
33 And it came to pass that by thus exercising the law upon them, [ And because the accountability for their individual actions. ] every man suffering according to that which he had done, [ There was not an ACLU or other organizations that said that it was societies problem because they did not have this or that, because they were born that way, because of their race, their income level or any other excuse - it was the individual who was responsibly for their own actions - hence their legal model was patterned after the designs of God and agency. When we break down the accountability of man for his own actions then we begin to break down society as a whole. If man is not responsible for his own actions then there has to be someone to blame for them and the next logical explanation is society, race, income or something else because it certainly is not the falt of the man, heaven forbid that. ] they became more still, and durst not commit any wickedness if it were known; therefore, there was much peace among the people of Nephi until the fifth year of the reign of the judges.
* Verse 23  [ About 90 B.C. ].