“The Reign of King Benjamin”

Monte S. Nyman

Amaleki, prior to his turning the records to King Benjamin, gives us a brief summary of the king’s reign. More concerning his reign is given in the Words of Mormon that follows (1:12–18), and discussed in chapter 5 of this work. The book of Mosiah begins with the final speeches of King Benjamin. Thus we have only a brief sketch of the life of this great king who was “ a just man before the Lord” (Omni 1:25).

Amaleki’s exhortation to all men once more reminds us of the brevity of the record. Little has been recorded about the gifts mentioned by him, especially “the gift of speaking with tongues,” but it does verify that the gifts of the Spirit were had among the Nephites. His final admonition to “come unto Christ” is another of several testaments of Jesus Christ that are contained in the Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon Commentary: These Records Are True

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