Mosiah 8

Mosiah 8:7-8

“And the king said unto him: Being grieved for the afflictions of my people. I caused that forty and three of my people should take a journey into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage. And they were lost in the wilderness for the space of many days, yet they were diligent, and found not the land of Zarahemla but returned to this land, having traveled in a land among many waters, having discovered a land which was covered with bones of men, and of beasts, and was also covered with ruins of buildings of every kind, having discovered a land which had been peopled with a people who were as numerous as the hosts of Israel.”

This verse resonates with what Amaleki said about the group of people that left with his brother in Omni 1:30, “and I have not since known concerning them.” In the Mosiah verse we get the other side of the story, the reason they were not heard of again was because they could not make themselves heard. Even when they needed help and wanted to go back home they were stuck in their desertion. Only an initiative by the Nephites living in Zarahemla would bring them back, only if they felt like looking for them. King Limhi and his people were at the mercy of the Nephites in Zarahemla.

Written 9-24-14

Mosiah 8:5

“And it came to pass that he cause that the plates which contained the record of his people from the time they left the land of Zarahemla, should be brought before Ammon, that he might read them.”

Fortunately for the readers, the group that left Zarahemla in Omni 1:30 kept record of their history which is now being given to Ammon for him to read. This verse mentions the plates in which the record of Zeniff’s group was kept. We get to read these plates since, as far as I know, Mormon added the record written in it to the book of Mosiah, comprising the chapters 9-22.

Written 9-24-14

Mosiah 8:9-11

“And for a testimony that the things that they had said are true they have brought twenty-four plates which are filled with engravings, and they are of pure gold… Therefore I said unto thee: Canst thou translate?”

There are new plates to add to the collection. These plates will apparently be taken to king Mosiah to be translated.

Written 9-24-14

Mosiah 8:15

“And the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet.”

It is nice to know. What is the basis for this, the fact that they can see the future?

Written 9-24-14