Alma 46-49 Study Guide – to be discussed May 8
John Bytheway quote:
The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is
that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite – a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the
parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him.
Similarly, Satan wanted to “exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and
took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is
also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.”
Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for
the blood of his people” (Alma 49:10). Satan will “not support his children at the last day (Alma 30:60).
Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of
the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and
appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down
from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of
Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was
not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti
agreed to Amalickiah’s scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died. As Latter-
day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually
invites us to come down. We refuse. So he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject
ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a
gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it’s
happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan’s tactics, because a victim of poison may not even
realize what’s happening, and may still believe he’s in control up until the moment he dies. The spiritual
message is powerful and chilling – Don’t come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants!
Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It’s interesting to note that Jesus was
invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-
11).
Day 1: Alma 46:1-18; review Alma 43:45-57
1. What was Amalickiah’s goal? Why did the lower judges support him? How were others in the church swayed?
2. Identify six reasons the Nephites felt that going to war was justified (see also Alma 43:45-47).
3. What did Moroni do prior to presenting his Title of Liberty to the people?
BONUS: Write your own “Title of Liberty,” listing what you are willing to fight for.
Day 2: Read Alma 46:19-41; Genesis 37:3-4, 23-24,29-34; Genesis 45:3-7
4. What were the terms of the covenant made by those who were stirred to action by Moroni’s ensign? List the tokens of their covenant.
5. In what way(s) were the Nephites a “remnant” of the seed of Joseph? Why was Moroni’s torn coat such a powerful symbol? [Hugh Nibley in An Approach to the Book of Mormon wrote, “The rent garment of Joseph is the symbol both of his suffering and his divine deliverance, misfortune and preservation.”]
6. Where did Amalickiah go when he saw he was outnumbered? Why did Moroni try to intercept him?
Day 3: Read Alma 47:1-16; Matthew 4:1-11
7. Why do you think the king of the Lamanites did not imprison Amalickiah and his followers?
8. What made Amalickiah a good military leader? What made him a bad military leader?
9. Why did Lehonti, leader of the conscientious objectors, refuse to go down to meet with Amalickiah? What changed his mind?
BONUS: From Matthew 4:1-11, how many times did Satan invite Jesus to “come down”? How does Satan invite us to “come down” today?
Day 4: Read Alma 47:17-36
10. Compare Captain Moroni and Amalickiah by listing characteristics and goals of each leader (see also Alma 48:11-13, 16-18).
11. How did Amalickiah gain the hearts of the people and the hand of the queen?
12. Why do you think the Nephite dissenters became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites?
BONUS: How was Amalickiah’s poisoning “by degrees” similar to how Satan poisons people today?
Day 5: Read Alma 48
13. How did Amalickiah stir up hatred toward the Nephites? What was his ultimate goal, now that he had obtained kingship over the Lamanites?
14. Who did Amalickiah appoint as chief captains? Why? How did Moroni prepare his people?
15. If Amalickiah and his armies are types of Satan and his hosts, what can we learn from Captain Moroni about strengthening ourselves and our families against the powers of the adversary?
Day 6: Read Alma 49:1-15; Ether 12:25-28
16. In what month and year did the Lamanites march on the rebuilt city of Ammonihah? In what month and year would Satan most like to conquer young priesthood holders?
17. Why do you think Amalickiah did not lead his troops?
18. How can we make weak things become strong? (see also Ether 12:25-28)
Day 7: Read Alma 49:16-30
19. Why did the Lamanites attack Noah, in spite of their fears?
20. How many Lamanites were killed in their attempt to take the city of Noah? How many Nephites were killed? Why?
21. Who did Amalickiah blame for his losses? Who did the Nephites thank? Why did they enjoy peace and prosperity?
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Special Gramma Edition
Alexander Patrick Tvedtnes was born this morning just after 10:30 - a beautiful baby boy! 7lbs. 5oz. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Mom and baby are doing great. I look forward to seeing you all on May 8 and promise not to inflict TOO many baby pictures on you.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Alma 43-45
Alma 43-45 Study Guide – to be discussed May 1
Day 1: Read Alma 43:1-15; Alma 31:3
1. Why did Zarahemna appoint Amalekites and Zoramites as chief captains? What was his ultimate goal? How is Zarahemna a “type” of Satan?
2. Review Alma 31:3, 27:21-25, 35:8-13. In what city were the people of Ammon located in the 18th year of the reign of the judges? Where had the Lamanites gathered to prepare for war? Where were the Nephite armies gathered?
3. What do you think the phrase in verse 14, "obliged to contend" means?
Day 2: Read Alma 43:16-36; Ephesians 6:13-17
4. How old was Moroni when he was given command of all the Nephite armies? From Alma 43:19, what was the first strategy Moroni employed? Can you give an example of a modern application in our battles with Satan? (See also Ephesians 6:13-17.)
5. List further strategies employed by Moroni from Alma 43:23-26. Give modern applications.
6. On the back of this paper, or on a separate sheet, draw a simple diagram of the battle described in Alma 43:27-36. Include the river Sidon, the hill Riplah, and the locations and movements of all armies.
Day 3: Read Alma 43:37-54
7. What motivated the Lamanites to “fight like dragons”?
8. How did Moroni inspire his armies? What was the result of their united prayer?
9. Why did Moroni command his men to stop shedding blood?
Day 4: Read Alma 44:1-11
10. What evidence did Moroni cite regarding “the true faith of God”? What evidence do we have today?
11. What were the terms of Moroni’s proposed peace treaty?
12. Why did Zarahemna refuse to swear an oath of peace?
Day 5: Read Alma 44:12-24
13. What emotion moved Zarahemna to attack Moroni? Did his subsequent de-scalping and loss of forces change or intensify that emotion?
14. What eventually motivated Zarahemna and his followers to enter into a covenant of peace?
15. How did Moroni sow both justice and mercy in dealing with the Lamanites and dissenters?
Day 6: Read Alma 45:1-14
16. List the questions Alma asked Helaman in his personal priesthood interview.
17. What prophecies regarding the future of the Nephite kingdom did Alma command Helaman to record, but not make public? Why do you think these prophecies were not to be made known at that time?
18. From Alma 45:12, what was to be the cause of the Nephites’ eventual downfall?
Day 7: Read Alma 45:15-24
19. What did Alma do before he left Zarahemla? Do you think he knew he wasn’t coming back?
20. Why was it necessary for Helaman and his brethren to travel throughout the land, reestablishing the church and preaching the gospel?
21. In spite of their efforts, what symptoms of the “Nephite Disease” were evident as described at the end of Alma 45?
BONUS: Choose one verse from Alma’s writings (Alma 1-44) that especially touched you in this reading.
Day 1: Read Alma 43:1-15; Alma 31:3
1. Why did Zarahemna appoint Amalekites and Zoramites as chief captains? What was his ultimate goal? How is Zarahemna a “type” of Satan?
2. Review Alma 31:3, 27:21-25, 35:8-13. In what city were the people of Ammon located in the 18th year of the reign of the judges? Where had the Lamanites gathered to prepare for war? Where were the Nephite armies gathered?
3. What do you think the phrase in verse 14, "obliged to contend" means?
Day 2: Read Alma 43:16-36; Ephesians 6:13-17
4. How old was Moroni when he was given command of all the Nephite armies? From Alma 43:19, what was the first strategy Moroni employed? Can you give an example of a modern application in our battles with Satan? (See also Ephesians 6:13-17.)
5. List further strategies employed by Moroni from Alma 43:23-26. Give modern applications.
6. On the back of this paper, or on a separate sheet, draw a simple diagram of the battle described in Alma 43:27-36. Include the river Sidon, the hill Riplah, and the locations and movements of all armies.
Day 3: Read Alma 43:37-54
7. What motivated the Lamanites to “fight like dragons”?
8. How did Moroni inspire his armies? What was the result of their united prayer?
9. Why did Moroni command his men to stop shedding blood?
Day 4: Read Alma 44:1-11
10. What evidence did Moroni cite regarding “the true faith of God”? What evidence do we have today?
11. What were the terms of Moroni’s proposed peace treaty?
12. Why did Zarahemna refuse to swear an oath of peace?
Day 5: Read Alma 44:12-24
13. What emotion moved Zarahemna to attack Moroni? Did his subsequent de-scalping and loss of forces change or intensify that emotion?
14. What eventually motivated Zarahemna and his followers to enter into a covenant of peace?
15. How did Moroni sow both justice and mercy in dealing with the Lamanites and dissenters?
Day 6: Read Alma 45:1-14
16. List the questions Alma asked Helaman in his personal priesthood interview.
17. What prophecies regarding the future of the Nephite kingdom did Alma command Helaman to record, but not make public? Why do you think these prophecies were not to be made known at that time?
18. From Alma 45:12, what was to be the cause of the Nephites’ eventual downfall?
Day 7: Read Alma 45:15-24
19. What did Alma do before he left Zarahemla? Do you think he knew he wasn’t coming back?
20. Why was it necessary for Helaman and his brethren to travel throughout the land, reestablishing the church and preaching the gospel?
21. In spite of their efforts, what symptoms of the “Nephite Disease” were evident as described at the end of Alma 45?
BONUS: Choose one verse from Alma’s writings (Alma 1-44) that especially touched you in this reading.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Alma 39-42
Alma 39-42 Study Guide – to be discussed April 17 (No class April 10 due to Poway Unified spring break.)
Day 1: Read Alma 39:1-9 with headnote; 3 Nephi 12:28-30
OVERVIEW QUESTION: Find Corianton’s four questions (as his father said he perceived them) in Alma 39:16-17, 40:1, 41:1 and 42:1. Rewrite these four questions in your own words.
1. In Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton, he reviewed the steps leading up to Corianton’s act of immorality. List at least four of those steps and relate them to how we might put ourselves in danger today.
2. From Alma 39:5, what did Alma tell Corianton he must know in order to begin the repentance process?
3. Read 3 Nephi 12:28-30 and JST Matthew 16:26 with Alma 39:9. What do you think it means to “cross yourself”? (Hint: see the footnote for Alma 39:9b.)
Day 2: Read Alma 39:10-19; Jacob 4:4-6
4. How did Corianton’s choices affect more than just himself?
5. List further steps in the repentance process as outlined by Alma in these verses.
6. According to the note at the bottom of page 307 in your Book of Mormon, about what year was it when Alma gave this counsel? Why was it important to teach the coming of Christ so many years before it happened?
Day 3: Read Alma 40:1-14; D&C 138:11-23
7. Why do you think Corianton was worried about the resurrection?
8. What did Alma know concerning the resurrection? What did he NOT know?
9. After reading D&C 138:11-23, why do you think the righteous will be happy in the spirit world? Why will the wicked be miserable?
Day 4: Read Alma 40:15-26; D&C 76:50-70; Psalm 75:7-8
10. What is the meaning of the term “the first resurrection”? (see also D&C 76:50-70)
11. To what state will all things be restored in the resurrection?
12. Having explained the universal resurrection of mankind, Alma ended chapter 40 with a description of the “awful death” of the wicked. In what ways will the wicked be dead? What are the “dregs of a bitter cup”?
Day 5: Read Alma 41:1-15
13. By what two things will we be judged? What do you think Alma meant when he said we are our own judges? (v.7)
14. What is the nature of the happiness described by Alma in verses 5, 10 and 11? If “wickedness never was happiness” (v.10), why are some very wicked people quite happy with their lives?
15. How did Alma define the word “restoration”? List what Alma expected Corianton to DO now that he understood the law of restoration.
Extra credit readings on the resurrection: D&C 133:54-55, D&C 88:97-102, D&C 101:31.
Day 6: Read Alma 42:1-15
16. In Alma 42:4, Alma again referred to this life as a probationary time. What two things did he say we are to do here?
17. In reference to this passage of scripture, President Harold B. Lee asked, “Can you think of a more tragic experience than to have an earth with no mortal death…?” (See The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ch. 2.) What do you think he meant by this? What two kinds of death were brought about by the Fall?
18. What evidence do we have that God is perfectly just and merciful?
Day 7: Read Alma 42:16-31
19. What gift could not be extended to us if there were no law and no punishment? Why?
20. How is remorse of conscience a blessing?
21. Review Alma 42, looking at the phrase “God would cease to be God” in verses 13, 22 and 25. Although Alma is using hyperbole, what is the condition, in each case, under which, if possible, God’s very power and authority would be in question? How does this speak to Corianton’s question, as perceived by Alma at the beginning of this chapter?
Day 1: Read Alma 39:1-9 with headnote; 3 Nephi 12:28-30
OVERVIEW QUESTION: Find Corianton’s four questions (as his father said he perceived them) in Alma 39:16-17, 40:1, 41:1 and 42:1. Rewrite these four questions in your own words.
1. In Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton, he reviewed the steps leading up to Corianton’s act of immorality. List at least four of those steps and relate them to how we might put ourselves in danger today.
2. From Alma 39:5, what did Alma tell Corianton he must know in order to begin the repentance process?
3. Read 3 Nephi 12:28-30 and JST Matthew 16:26 with Alma 39:9. What do you think it means to “cross yourself”? (Hint: see the footnote for Alma 39:9b.)
Day 2: Read Alma 39:10-19; Jacob 4:4-6
4. How did Corianton’s choices affect more than just himself?
5. List further steps in the repentance process as outlined by Alma in these verses.
6. According to the note at the bottom of page 307 in your Book of Mormon, about what year was it when Alma gave this counsel? Why was it important to teach the coming of Christ so many years before it happened?
Day 3: Read Alma 40:1-14; D&C 138:11-23
7. Why do you think Corianton was worried about the resurrection?
8. What did Alma know concerning the resurrection? What did he NOT know?
9. After reading D&C 138:11-23, why do you think the righteous will be happy in the spirit world? Why will the wicked be miserable?
Day 4: Read Alma 40:15-26; D&C 76:50-70; Psalm 75:7-8
10. What is the meaning of the term “the first resurrection”? (see also D&C 76:50-70)
11. To what state will all things be restored in the resurrection?
12. Having explained the universal resurrection of mankind, Alma ended chapter 40 with a description of the “awful death” of the wicked. In what ways will the wicked be dead? What are the “dregs of a bitter cup”?
Day 5: Read Alma 41:1-15
13. By what two things will we be judged? What do you think Alma meant when he said we are our own judges? (v.7)
14. What is the nature of the happiness described by Alma in verses 5, 10 and 11? If “wickedness never was happiness” (v.10), why are some very wicked people quite happy with their lives?
15. How did Alma define the word “restoration”? List what Alma expected Corianton to DO now that he understood the law of restoration.
Extra credit readings on the resurrection: D&C 133:54-55, D&C 88:97-102, D&C 101:31.
Day 6: Read Alma 42:1-15
16. In Alma 42:4, Alma again referred to this life as a probationary time. What two things did he say we are to do here?
17. In reference to this passage of scripture, President Harold B. Lee asked, “Can you think of a more tragic experience than to have an earth with no mortal death…?” (See The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ch. 2.) What do you think he meant by this? What two kinds of death were brought about by the Fall?
18. What evidence do we have that God is perfectly just and merciful?
Day 7: Read Alma 42:16-31
19. What gift could not be extended to us if there were no law and no punishment? Why?
20. How is remorse of conscience a blessing?
21. Review Alma 42, looking at the phrase “God would cease to be God” in verses 13, 22 and 25. Although Alma is using hyperbole, what is the condition, in each case, under which, if possible, God’s very power and authority would be in question? How does this speak to Corianton’s question, as perceived by Alma at the beginning of this chapter?