Helaman 1: to be discussed September 4

Helaman 1 – Study Guide: To be discussed September 4

Day 1: Review Alma 63, Alma 37
1. Beginning in Alma 62:52, in what year did Alma’s son Helaman die? From Alma 63:1, who took possession of the sacred relics at Helaman’s death?


BONUS: Review Alma 37 and list the “sacred things” Alma passed on to Helaman around 73 BC.




2. Who received the relics in the 39th year of the reign of the judges (53BC)?


3. What else was going on among the Nephites in 53 BC?



Day 2: Read Helaman 1:1-8, with headnote; Alma 50:39-40
4. Who wrote the Book of Helaman?


5. Who was Pahoran and why did his passing cause divisions among the Nephites? How was the succession decided?



6. What methods did Paanchi use to persuade his followers to join him in sedition?




Day 3: Read Helaman 1:9-13
7. Why did Paanchi’s minions put a contract out on Pahoran II?



8. By what did the murderous band swear? Does this seem odd to you? Why or why not?




9. What happens when a minority decides it has the right to overrule the voice of the people?



Day 4: Read Helaman 1:14-20
10. Why do you think the Lamanites close to pitch battle against the Nephites during the 41st year of the reign of the judges?




11. List what we know about Coriantumr from Mormon’s description. Who was Tubaloth? (Review Alma 47:21-26, 35; 52:3)




12. Why was Coriantumr bold enough to march his armies into the heart of Nephite territory? What weakness(es) did he exploit? How can we protect ourselves against modern-day Coriantumrs?




Day 5: Read Helaman 1:21-26
13. About how long did Pacumeni serve as chief judge?


14. What gave Coriantumr the courage to leave Zarahemla and march toward Bountiful?



BONUS: What made Bountiful a strategic location?


15. What advantage did Coriantumr inadvertently give Moronihah when he left Zarahemla?



Day 6: Read Helaman 1:27-34
16. Name the two Nephite commanders who surrounded the armies of Coriantumr. What do you know about them?



17. Draw a simple diagram of the battles described in Helaman 1, including Corianumr’s army, Zarahemla, Bountiful, and the Nephite armies.



18. Approximately how long did the Lamanites occupy Zarahemla?


Day 7: Review Helaman 1; read D&C 109:24-26
19. How many years are described in Helaman 1?


20. Make a note of every phrase or verse in which righteousness or wickedness is described. In what way(s) do the forces of evil today strike at the heart of our homes?




21. How can we prepare ourselves against secret combinations and overt enemies today (see D&C 109:24-26 also)?

Coming Soon!

Institute classes will begin again on Thursday, September 4. Day classes will be held from 11:00am till noon; evening classes 8:00-9:00pm. Both sessions will meet in the Relief Society room at the stake center, 12835 Black Mountain Road. This year's curriculum will continue our study of the Book of Mormon, finishing off the last third of the book. We'll briefly review the last few chapters of Alma, overview Helaman, and look closely at the first chapter of Helaman on September 4. Those who are on the email list from last year will receive study questions around August 27. If you are interested in having your name on that list, or if you have questions about the class, please leave a comment below.
The Book of Helaman is amazingly relevant to our society today, with messages that apply directly to us as we prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior. Third Nephi gives us a beautiful additional witness of the ministry of Jesus Christ, his tender love for his children and timeless counsel. Fourth Nephi shows us what it means to be a Zion people. Mormon draws us into his collapsing world with warnings about our own. Ether reflects and reinforces lessons of the Book of Mormon by introducing us to a more ancient people with similar problems. And Moroni eloquently enriches the book with his final commentaries and profound witness of the Savior. We have a marvelous year ahead! I look forward to seeing you all on September 4th.