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 Gives Up Being Judge

In this same year, Nephi gave up the judgment seat to a man named Cezoram. The laws and government were made by what the people wanted. More people chose evil than good. So they were ready for destruction. The laws had become bad. This was not all. They were stubborn people. They could not be ruled by law or fairness without being destroyed. Nephi had become tired because of their sins. He gave up the judgment seat. He spent the rest of his days preaching God’s word. His brother Lehi did the same for the rest of his days.

Helaman’s Words to His Sons

They remembered what their father Helaman told them. These are his words: My sons, I want you to remember to keep God’s rules. I want you to tell the people these words: I gave you the names of our first parents who came from Jerusalem. I did this so when you remember your names, you will remember them. When you remember them, you will remember their works. When you remember their works, you will know that it is said and written that they were good. So, my sons, I want you to do what is good. Then it can be said and written about you like it was said and written about them. My sons, I have more to ask of you. Don’t do these things to brag. Do these things to save up treasure in Heaven. That treasure lasts forever and never goes away. Then you can have the precious gift of eternal life. We think our fathers received this gift.

Remember, remember, my sons, the words King Benjamin spoke to his people. Remember that people can only be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ who will come. Remember that he comes to save the world. Also remember what Amulek said to Zeezrom in the city of Ammonihah. He said that the Lord will come to save his people. But he will not come to save them in their sins. He will save them from their sins. He has power from the Father to save them from their sins when they stop sinning. So he has sent his angels to tell about the rules for stopping sin. This brings people to the power of the Savior. This saves their souls.

My sons, remember, remember that you must build your foundation on the rock of our Savior. He is Christ, the Son of God. When the Devil sends his mighty winds and his arrows in the storm, when all his hail and mighty storm beat on you, it will have no power over you. It cannot drag you down to sadness and endless sorrow. This is because of the rock you are built on. It is a sure foundation. If people build on it, they cannot fall. These were the words Helaman taught his sons. He taught them many things that are not written. He also taught many things that are written.

Nephi and Lehi Preach

They remembered his words. So they went out keeping God’s rules. They taught God’s word to all the Nephites. They started at the city of Bountiful. From there they went to the city of Gid. From Gid they went to the city of Mulek. They went from one city to another. They went to all the Nephites in the south land. Then they went into Zarahemla among the Lamanites. They preached with great power. They proved wrong many people who had left the Nephites. These people came and admitted their sins. They were baptized to show they stopped sinning. Right away they went back to the Nephites. They tried to fix the wrongs they had done.

Nephi and Lehi preached to the Lamanites with great power. They had power given to them so they could speak. They were also given what to say. So they spoke and amazed the Lamanites. They convinced them. Eight thousand Lamanites in and around Zarahemla were baptized to show they stopped sinning. They were convinced that their fathers’ traditions were wrong.

In Prison

Nephi and Lehi went from there to the land of Nephi. They were caught by a Lamanite army and thrown into prison. It was the same prison where Ammon and his brothers were put by Limhi’s servants. After they had been in prison many days without food, people came to the prison to kill them.

Fire Surrounds Them

Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by something like fire. The people were afraid to touch them. They thought they would be burned. But Nephi and Lehi were not burned. They stood in the middle of fire and were not burned. When Nephi and Lehi saw they were surrounded by a pillar of fire that did not burn them, their hearts became brave. They saw that the Lamanites were afraid to touch them. They would not even come near them. They stood as if they could not speak from amazement.

Nephi and Lehi stepped forward and began to speak to them. They said: Don’t be afraid. God has shown you this amazing thing. This shows you that you cannot touch us to kill us. When they said these words, the earth shook very much. The prison walls shook as if they would fall down. But they did not fall. The people in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who had left the church.

A Voice from Heaven

They were covered with a cloud of darkness. A terrible, serious fear came over them. A voice came from above the cloud of darkness. It said: Stop sinning, stop sinning, and don’t try to kill my servants anymore. I have sent them to you to tell good news. When they heard this voice, they knew it was not thunder. It was not a loud, noisy sound. It was a quiet voice, perfectly gentle, like a whisper. But it went right through to their souls.

Even though the voice was gentle, the earth shook very much. The prison walls shook again as if they would fall down. The cloud of darkness that covered them did not go away. The voice came again: Stop sinning, stop sinning, for Heaven’s kingdom is near. Don’t try to kill my servants anymore. The earth shook again and the walls shook. The voice came a third time. It spoke amazing words that people cannot say. The walls shook again. The earth shook as if it would split apart. The Lamanites could not run away because of the dark cloud that covered them. They also could not move because they were so afraid.

Aminadab Helps

There was one person among them who was born a Nephite. He had once belonged to God’s church but had left it. He turned around. Through the cloud of darkness he saw the faces of Nephi and Lehi. They were shining brightly like angels’ faces. He saw that they were looking up to Heaven. They looked like they were talking or calling out to someone they could see. This man called to the crowd to turn and look. They were given power to turn and look. They saw the faces of Nephi and Lehi. They said to the man: What does all this mean? Who are these men talking to? The man’s name was Aminadab. Aminadab said to them: They are talking with God’s angels.

The Lamanites said to him: What should we do to make this dark cloud go away? Aminadab said to them: You must stop sinning and pray to the voice. Keep praying until you have faith in Christ. Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom taught you about him. When you do this, the dark cloud will go away.

The Cloud Goes Away

They all began to pray to the one whose voice had shaken the earth. They prayed until the dark cloud went away. When they looked around and saw the dark cloud was gone, they saw that every person was surrounded by a pillar of fire. Nephi and Lehi were in the middle of them. They were surrounded too. They were like they were in the middle of a burning fire. But it did not hurt them. It did not burn the prison walls. They were filled with joy that cannot be described. They were full of glory. The Holy Spirit of God came down from Heaven. It entered their hearts. They were filled as if with fire. They could speak amazing words.

A voice came to them. It was a pleasant voice, like a whisper. It said: Peace, peace be with you because of your faith in my beloved one. He has been there since the world began. When they heard this, they looked up to see where the voice came from. They saw the heavens open. Angels came down from Heaven and helped them.

Many Lamanites Believe

About three hundred people saw and heard these things. They were told to go out and not be amazed. They were told not to doubt. They went out and served the people. They told everyone in all the areas around them about what they had heard and seen. Most of the Lamanites believed them because of the great proof they had received. All who believed put down their weapons of war. They also let go of their hate and the traditions of their fathers. They gave their lands back to the Nephites.

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