The Book of Mormon
~30 BC

Helaman 5

Nephi resigns as Chief Judge to preach with his brother Lehi, remembering their father's counsel to build on Christ. They preach powerfully among Nephites and Lamanites. Imprisoned in the land of Nephi, they are encircled by fire. A divine voice commands repentance. Three hundred witness angels. Many Lamanites convert and return conquered lands.

Nephi Steps Down

That same year, Nephi stepped down as chief judge and handed the position to a man named Cezoram.

Since the government was based on the people’s vote, and those who chose evil now outnumbered those who chose good, the nation was heading for disaster. The laws themselves had become corrupt. But that wasn’t all. The people were so stubborn that they couldn’t be governed by law or justice—the system itself was leading them toward destruction.

Nephi had grown weary of their wickedness. So he gave up the chief judge’s seat and committed himself to preaching God’s word for the rest of his life. His brother Lehi did the same.

Helaman’s Words to His Sons

They remembered what their father Helaman had told them. These were his words:

'My sons, I want you to keep God’s commandments. And I want you to tell the people this: I gave you the names of our first ancestors who came from Jerusalem. I did this so that when you remember your names, you’ll remember them—and when you remember them, you’ll remember their deeds. And when you remember what they did, you’ll know what has been said and written about them: that they were good.' 'So, my sons, I want you to do good—so that people will say and write the same things about you that have been said and written about them.' 'Now, there’s something more I want from you: don’t do these things to show off. Do them to store up treasure in heaven—treasure that lasts forever and never fades. Do them so you can have the gift of eternal life, which we believe was given to our ancestors.'

'Remember—remember, my sons—what King Benjamin told his people. Remember that there’s no other way for people to be saved except through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is yet to come. Remember, he’s coming to redeem the world.' 'And remember what Amulek told Zeezrom in the city of Ammonihah. He said the Lord would surely come to redeem his people—but not to redeem them in their sins. He would redeem them from their sins.' 'The Father has given him power to redeem people from their sins when they repent. That’s why he sent his angels—to tell everyone the conditions for repentance, which brings them to the Redeemer’s power and the salvation of their souls.' 'Now, my sons, remember—remember this: you must build your foundation on the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God. Then when the devil sends his fierce winds, when he shoots his arrows in the whirlwind, when his hail and mighty storms beat down on you—they’ll have no power to drag you down into misery and endless suffering. Because you’re built on a rock, a sure foundation. When people build on that, they can’t fall.'

These were the words Helaman taught his sons. He taught them many other things too—some that were written down and some that weren’t.

A Powerful Mission

His sons remembered what he said. So they went out, keeping God’s commandments, teaching his word among all the Nephite people. They started in the city of Bountiful,

then went to the city of Gid, and from Gid to the city of Mulek. They traveled from city to city until they’d reached all the Nephites in the southern lands. Then they went to the land of Zarahemla, where the Lamanites lived.

They preached with such power that they completely overwhelmed many of the Nephite deserters. These people confessed their sins, were baptized as a sign of repentance, and immediately returned to the Nephites, trying to make up for the wrongs they’d done. Nephi and Lehi preached to the Lamanites with tremendous power and authority. They’d been given the power and authority to speak, and they’d been given the very words to say. They spoke with such conviction that the Lamanites were completely amazed. Eight thousand Lamanites in and around Zarahemla were baptized and turned from the wicked traditions they’d inherited from their ancestors.

From there, Nephi and Lehi headed to the land of Nephi.

Imprisoned in the Land of Nephi

A Lamanite army captured them and threw them in prison—the same prison where Ammon and his brothers had been held by the servants of Limhi.

After they’d been locked up for many days without food, their captors came to the prison to kill them. But Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by what looked like fire. The guards were too afraid to touch them—they thought they’d be burned. Yet Nephi and Lehi weren’t burned at all. They stood in the middle of the fire, completely unharmed.

When the guards saw them surrounded by a pillar of fire that didn’t burn them, they found their courage. They realized the Lamanites were too afraid to lay hands on Nephi and Lehi or even come near them. Everyone just stood there, struck dumb with amazement.

Nephi and Lehi stepped forward and began speaking to them: 'Don’t be afraid. Look—God has shown you this incredible thing to prove that you can’t kill us.'

The Voice in the Darkness

As soon as they said this, the ground shook violently and the prison walls trembled as if they were about to collapse. But they didn’t fall. Everyone in the prison—Lamanites and Nephite deserters alike—felt it.

Then they were covered by a cloud of darkness, and a terrible, heavy fear fell on them. A voice came from above the cloud of darkness: 'Turn away from evil. Turn away, and stop trying to destroy my servants whom I sent to bring you good news.'

When they heard this voice, they realized it wasn’t thunder. It wasn’t a loud, chaotic sound. It was a quiet voice, perfectly gentle—almost like a whisper. And yet it cut straight to their souls. Despite the gentleness of the voice, the earth shook violently again, and the prison walls trembled as if about to collapse. But the cloud of darkness covering them didn’t lift.

The voice came again: 'Turn from your sins. Turn from them, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Stop trying to destroy my servants.' The earth shook again, and the walls trembled. Then a third time the voice spoke—words so amazing they can’t be written down. The walls trembled again, and the earth shook as if it would split apart.

The Lamanites couldn’t run away because of the cloud of darkness covering them. They couldn’t move at all—they were frozen with fear.

Aminadab Sees Through the Darkness

Among them was a man who’d been born a Nephite. He’d once belonged to the church of God but had left it.

This man turned around and looked through the cloud of darkness. He saw Nephi and Lehi’s faces—and they were shining brilliantly, like the faces of angels. They were looking up to heaven, as if they were speaking to someone they could see. The man shouted to the crowd to turn and look. They were given power to turn and look—and they saw Nephi and Lehi’s faces.

They asked him, 'What does all this mean? Who are they talking to?' The man’s name was Aminadab. He told them, 'They’re talking with angels of God.'

The Lamanites asked him, 'What should we do to make this cloud of darkness go away?' Aminadab said, 'You have to repent. Cry out to the voice—keep crying out until you have faith in Christ, who was taught to you by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. When you do that, the cloud of darkness will lift.'

So they all began crying out to the voice that had shaken the earth. They kept crying out until the cloud of darkness disappeared.

Surrounded by Fire

When they looked around and saw the cloud had lifted, they realized something astonishing: every single one of them was surrounded by a pillar of fire.

Nephi and Lehi were in the middle of them, surrounded by fire. They looked like they were standing in the middle of flames—yet the fire didn’t hurt them at all. It didn’t even touch the prison walls. They were filled with joy beyond words, joy full of glory. The Holy Spirit of God came down from heaven and entered their hearts. They were filled as if with fire, and they could speak amazing words.

Then a voice came to them—a pleasant voice, like a whisper: 'Peace. Peace be with you, because of your faith in my beloved, who has been since the foundation of the world.'

When they heard this, they looked up to see where the voice was coming from. They saw the heavens open, and angels came down and helped them.

Three Hundred Witnesses

About three hundred people saw and heard these things. They were told to go out and not be surprised or doubtful about what they’d experienced.

So they went out and served the people, telling everyone in all the surrounding regions what they’d heard and seen. Most of the Lamanites believed them because of the overwhelming evidence. Everyone who believed put down their weapons of war, along with their hatred and the traditions they’d inherited from their ancestors. They gave the Nephites back the lands they’d taken from them.

Influences

  • 5:1 — Luke 1:27 (KJV)
    To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.
  • 5:4 — Acts 16:6 (KJV)
    Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
  • 5:5 — Acts 20:38 (KJV)
    Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
  • 5:6 — Ephesians 3:13 (KJV)
    Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.
  • 5:8 — Matthew 6:20 (KJV)
    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • 5:8 — Matthew 6:20 (KJV)
    But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
  • 5:8 — 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV)
    And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
  • 5:8 — Matthew 19:16 (KJV)
    And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
  • 5:9 — 1 John 1:7 (KJV)
    But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
  • 5:11 — 2 John 1:4 (KJV)
    I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
  • 5:11 — Luke 20:20 (KJV)
    And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.
  • 5:12 — Matthew 7:24-25 (KJV)
    Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
  • 5:12 — Mark 1:1 (KJV)
    The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
  • 5:12 — Luke 11:14 (KJV)
    And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered.
  • 5:13 — John 20:30 (KJV)
    And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:
  • 5:13 — Revelation 22:19 (KJV)
    And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
  • 5:14 — Acts 18:11 (KJV)
    And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
  • 5:19 — Mark 5:42 (KJV)
    And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment.
  • 5:19 — James 2:9 (KJV)
    But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.
  • 5:23 — John 8:9 (KJV)
    And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
  • 5:26 — Luke 2:10 (KJV)
    And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
  • 5:27 — Acts 16:26 (KJV)
    And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
  • 5:28 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:29 — Matthew 3:2 (KJV)
    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • 5:30 — 1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)
    And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.
  • 5:31 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:32 — Matthew 3:2 (KJV)
    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • 5:32 — Matthew 3:2 (KJV)
    And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • 5:33 — Romans 8:26 (KJV)
    Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
  • 5:34 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:36 — Luke 10:23 (KJV)
    And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
  • 5:36 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:36 — Acts 6:15 (KJV)
    And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
  • 5:36 — Revelation 9:7 (KJV)
    And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.
  • 5:36 — John 17:1 (KJV)
    These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:
  • 5:40 — John 6:28 (KJV)
    Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
  • 5:40 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:41 — Acts 24:24 (KJV)
    And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
  • 5:41 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:42 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:43 — KJV Preface-1776
    For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our [Sion], that upon the setting of that bright [Occidental Star], Queen [Elizabeth] of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk;
  • 5:44 — Luke 6:11 (KJV)
    And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
  • 5:44 — 1 Peter 1:8 (KJV)
    Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
  • 5:45 — Ephesians 4:30 (KJV)
    And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
  • 5:45 — Luke 6:11 (KJV)
    And they were filled with madness; and communed one with another what they might do to Jesus.
  • 5:47 — John 20:26 (KJV)
    And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
  • 5:47 — Matthew 13:35 (KJV)
    That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
  • 5:48 — Acts 7:56 (KJV)
    And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
  • 5:48 — Revelation 3:12 (KJV)
    Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
  • 5:50 — Luke 2:20 (KJV)
    And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
Helaman 4Helaman 6