Mosiah Ch2

This chapter contains installment 1 of King Benjamin's discourse. The theme: we are indebted to God and should serve Him and our fellow man. Ben uses this address to spread the idea of equality and fairness that has been established while he has reigned. He also warns of the anguish that will come to those who rebel against God.

We are first told of the multitude of people who gather to hear King Benjamin speak (v1-2). A great many have come bringing offerings to give thanks to God for their blessings (v3-4). The gathering was around the temple, and the people gathered in tents according to families with doors pointing to the temple (v5-6). There were so many people that king Benjamin's had a tower erected but when people still couldn't hear him he had his words written a spread to the people (v7-8). I am grateful that now a days we have technology broadcasting our gatherings during general conference seasons!

Ben (I use this nickname because I am lazy) greets the people and emphasizes the importance of the words he will speak because he does not mean to cause the people to fear him (v9-10). It may be that because some kings are wicked, the people fear them, but Ben knows his place is to serve the people and not take their riches by unholy dominion (v11-12). He has not reigned with fear or punishment, but taught the commandments of God and labored with the people (v13-14). 

Telling these things to the people humbly, Ben wishes to teach the people the importance of serving others because it is an act of serving God (v15-17). He has tried to set an example and give credit to our Heavenly Father because he has brought peace by being the center of the people (v18-20). This lesson still applies to us today: if we serve God with our whole souls and keep his commandments we will be blessed and prosper (v21-22). We are already indebted to Him and always will be because of the countless blessings he gives to those who follow his commandments (v23-24).

Ben teaches the importance of humbling ourselves by telling us how insignificant we are compared to Him who created is (v25-26). As the king, Ben has the responsibility to teach the people (so he is not found guilty for their sins) which is a  reason he gathered them to teach them this last time, and rid himself of the responsibility by passing it along (v27-30). He wants the people to respect and follow his son, Mosiah, as they have himself but beware contentions and sin (v31-32).

Those who do not obey the spirit and die in sin shall have everlasting punishment (v33). So far, Ben has made sure everyone, except the children who missed out, the teachings he has mentioned and ones from the records (v34-35). Because everyone knows them, if they sin with that knowledge they will be purposefully withdrawing from The Lord in open rebellion and becomes an enemy to God (v36-38). Dying in sin after knowing truth is a terrible fate! Think of the guilt described in v38, and how there will be no opportunity for mercy resulting in their final doom of never ending torment (v39). 

On the other hand, those who keep the commandments are happy and blessed in all things. Ben has stated the difference plainly because he wants his people to have never ending happiness dwelling with God (v40-41). With all my being I urge you to take the measures needed to not die in sin because of the terrible fate that awaits for those who do. Do not rebel against the goodness of our Savior, he has given us a way to never ending happiness and it will make us happy in our mortal life as well.