Thursday, May 24, 2007

Alma 22

Aaron and the King

I've always enjoyed the exchange between Aaron and the King. I kind of like the king's method of management. When Aaron introduces himself, he courteously asks the king if he could be his servant. The king gets right to the point. He tells Aaron, "Arise, fro I will grant unto you your lives, and I will not suffer that ye shall be my servants; but I will insist that ye shall administer unto me." (Alma 22:3)

Then after Aaron had taught all the things to the king, the king does not ask for additional information. Rather he wants to act now. He asks Aaron, "What shall I do?" (Alma 22:15) He goes on to state that he is so interested in doing something about gaining that everlasting joy, that he is willing to give up everything that he possesses … even his kingdom.

Once Aaron told him what to do (to pray), the king immediately began to pray. This king was a no nonsense kind of king.

After the king prays, he passes out. The queen becomes alarmed and tries to have Aaron killed. But Aaron quickly raises the king. Once the king awakens and sees the commotion going on, he taught his people and calmed them down so that Aaron and his brethren would be safe.

The final act the king performs in this chapter is to send out a proclamation to all the people telling them that the Sons of Mosiah should have free access to all places.

Demarcation

After the kings miraculous conversion story, Mormon delves into an explanation of the Nephite and Lamanite boundaries for the next eight verses.

Having served in Guatemala and having studied a little bit about various theories about where the Nephites and Lamanites lived, I tend to be one of those who believe that Guatemala is at the heart of the Book of Mormon lands.

This map gives a general idea about this theory.

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