Mosiah 9-10

Mosiah 9:

The record of Zeniff--- Zeniff anxious to possess the lands of his fathers, enters into an agreement with King Laban to possess the land of Lehi -Nephi.  They move in, work hard, build houses, farms, grow crops, have herds of sheep and are prosperous.  The Lamanites , however, because of their Idolatrous laziness sat back and let them build and clear and improve the land with the intent of just moving in and taking it over when ever they wanted it.  After 12 years the Lamanites figured they had better take over now before Zeniff's people became too strong, too established, and too  numerous to easily conquer.  So they started a campaign to harrass, steal and plunder Zeniff's people, starting with the outlying farms and ranches.  The conflicts continued until Zeniff's people remembered the Lord and then went out to battle.  They stood and defeated the Lamanites with a much smaller army with casualties of 10 to 1.

Application:  Sometimes We want something so badly we may forget the Lord and just do what we want.  When we repent and remember the Lord he will uphold us.

Mosiah 10:

Chapter 10:  Explains why the Lamanites hate the Nephites--(ie the traditions of their fathers)  Zeniff being old, confers his kingdom on his son Noah.

Application:  Am I prepared and watchful--placing my trust in the Lord and his power to protect my "kingdom"  (my family)?

Mosiah 7-8

MOSIAH 7-8

Mosiah 7:16  Strong men leave Zarahemla to try and find those who had left years earlier in search of the land of Lehi-Nephi.  Tey finally find them and find them in bondage/servitude to the Lamanites.  The people rejoice and believe thay will now be greed from the Laminaties.  Their leader urges them to turn to the Lord, repenting and putting their trust and faith in Him that they will be delivered.

application:  These people ended up in bondage because their leader Zeniff was so passionate to reclaim the land he did not seek the Lord's help.  He trusted in his own "arm of flesh' in dealing with the Lamanite leader.  Zeniff was naive and the Lamanites were skilled in cunning and deceit.  So, seek the Lord in all decisions especially in major ones.  Let the Lord guide us and not pursue our own personal agendas.


Mosiah 8   King Limhi has possession of 24 gold plates and a breast plate of brass and copper which were found with the plates by and expedition of his people.  he desires to know if Ammon can read/translate them.  Ammon explains that the gift of being a seer is the greatest gift a man can possess--and at this time it is King Mosiah who has been blessed with this gift.  The king is excited for he feels a great mystery will be revealed.  and he thnks God for proparing the breastplate/translators and he wonders at the marvelous works of the Lord.  Then he makes his observations about mankind, that dispite the fact that the Lord stands ready to bless and fuide and is longsuffering still "the children of men.....will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!"  "Yea, they are as a wild flock which fleeth from the shepherd, and scattereth and are driven--and are devoured bythe beasts of the forest.  King Limhi also has kept records of his people which he delivers unto Ammon.

application:  Am I a wild child--always wanting to go my own way --to run around sightseeing and shopping though life?  Or will I seek wisdom and find out want God's plan for me is and seek that.