TH E B OOK OF HELAMAN
A foreshadowing of the Americas
Mark Winter 2009
The Book of Helaman, Revision 0, 18 January 2009
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TH E B OOK OF HELMAN
A foreshadowing of the Americas
Mark Winter 2009
Motivation and Background to this Work
I love the stories of the American Revolution. The rag-tag band of citizen soldiers who through off tyranny. So when I saw the United States discard their liberty in favor of the chains of socialism it saddened me. As I discussed my thoughts and feelings with my brother-in-law Luke, he told me to read and study The Book of Helaman and compare it to our day. This document records my response to his challenge.
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Chapter 1
Background on what’s going on... I. The year is 52 BC. II.More here
Observations
VERSE(S)
O B S E RVAT I O N
Serious differences began over judgement seat. President Pahoran died. A special election was held with the following candidates (all sons of Pahoran):
YEAR ( B.C.)
1-2
•Pahoran •Paanchi •Pacumeni •Pahoran won the democratic election •Pacumeni conceded victory to his brother •Paanchi and his followers were extremely upset. Perhaps because they felt the election was unfair. • Paanchi planned a rebellion. He planned to lead the people after him by telling them what they wanted to hear (entitlements, they had been wronged, they deserved more).
3-7
52
8 9
•Paanchi, tried and executed by the people. •In what must have been a retaliatory act, Kishkumen assassinates Pahoran.
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VERSE(S)
O B S E RVAT I O N
•After the murder, Kishkumen and his followers covenant to tell no one. They covenant in God’s name. Are they mocking God or do they believe the act in God’s name. I believe they felt wronged by the election and the subsequent execution of Paanchi and believe they were religious zealots. •The murderous followers of Paanchi did not run or flee. They walked among the people. They looked like you and me. •Its been on year. The Nephites are at war with the Lamanites. •Because of the political infighting that had gone on for so long, national defense is week. (Troop withdrawals?) •The Lamanites spring a surprise attack against them. The Nephites cannot respond fast enough. They are unprepared. •Lamanites capture Zarahemla faster than anyone could have imagined. Zarahemla was like their New York City. It was so large and mighty, and far from the borders of the land that it seemed impenetrable to the enemy. •Moronihah defeats the Lamanites. •The year ends.
YEAR ( B.C.)
11
12
14 18
19
51
32
33 34
I find a couple things relevant about chapter 1. The election was hotly contested and violence resulted from an unhappy resolution. They believed their nation too mighty to be attacked. They did not see the attack coming.
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Chapter 2
VERSE(S)
1
O B S E RVAT I O N
They still don’t have a president. And of course, they are arguing who should be the president. Helaman, son of Helaman, son of Alma, son of Alma the High Priest in King Noah’s court is chosen president by the people. Kishkumen wants to kill Helaman. I deduce from this that the wicked people are in the minority as they lost two elections (Pahoran and Helaman). Kishkumen is supported by his band of people. One of this band is Gadianton. Gadianton is an expert with words. Everything he says is pleasing to the Natrual Man. He is cunning in assisnation and stealth. Doubtful that such a man would be viewed as a villain by others. He sounds reasonable and did not have a criminal record. Gadianton proposes a “Pay to Play” deal. If his band will support him as President he will reward them.
YEAR ( B.C.)
2
3
4
50
5
Kishkumen and the band are taken with Gadianton. They like his flattering words and they fancy themselves rulers and powerful if they can only get Gadianton elected. Kishkumen attempts to kill Helaman but is killed first. Helaman sends guards to capture Gadianton and his band, but cannot find them, for they escaped into the wilderness. Mormon comments that the Gadianton responsible for the overthrow of the people of Nephi, almost their entire destruction.
6-12
13-14
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Chapter 3
VERSE(S)
1 2 3-12
O B S E RVAT I O N
YEAR ( B.C.)
No contention in the land. Odd. What happened to 49 Gadianton and his gang. Did they go into remission? 48, 47 Nope. They are laying their plans and recruiting. A lot of contention in the land. A lot of people left Zarahemla and went to the land northward. It was not a short trip, it was far away from Zarahemla. Why do you think these people sought to disassociate themselves from Zarahemla. Were the people who left wicked? They find themselves in a land devoid of timber. They build concrete houses and initiate trade to get the supplies they need. 46
18 21 23
The year ends. Helaman has two sons and names them Lehi and Nephi. There is peace throughout the land, except the Gadianton band. The robbers establish themselves in the more populous areas. Why? The government knew nothing of their presence.
45 44 or 43
24
The Church realizes great success.
29
Mormon comments on the dichotomy between the ~40 or 41 Gadianton robbers growth and the Church’s. How can both being growing in power and influence? How can we be sure that we are not tricked or deceived into joining the wrong one? Read verse 29 and find out.
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VERSE(S)
34
O B S E RVAT I O N
Pride enters the Church and the humble members are 41 persecuted.
YEAR ( B.C.)
37
Helaman dies. Nephi, his eldest son righteously reigns over the land.
41
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