“King Noah Hardened His Heart Against the Word of the Lord”

Brant Gardner

Noah is echoing, not initiating, the people’s reaction to Abinadi; but he specifically commands Abinadi’s capture so that he can be executed on a charge of sedition: Abinadi “raise[s] contentions among my people.” Despite the people’s rejection of Abinadi and his message, obviously some believed or there would be no contention. In spite of Noah’s decree, however, Abinadi lives safely in hiding for two years before he commences the second half of his mission (Mosiah 12:1).

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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