Benjamin now proceeds to explain how it is that they are unprofitable servants. This section begins here, and extends through verse 25. First, Benjamin must describe the requirements of the master, as each master does require action on the part of his servant(s). This great God, this heavenly master and King, only “requires of you…to keep his commandments.” At this point, we understand that Benjamin’s people have been taught what these commandments are. Benjamin is not teaching them what the commandments are, but rather the nature of their personal relationship to God. They know the commandments. They only must keep them.
In exchange for the keeping of the commandments, this great master has promised that “ye should prosper in the land.” The benefits do not flow simply to the master, but they also flow to the people. They are promised that they will prosper – a benefit they know that is in the power of their Master to provide (and not incidentally a covenant that has been made before with the Nephites). Benjamin emphasizes the immutability of God. God does not change his promises. As Benjamin notes, since God has promised that they will prosper if they keep the commandments, they may be assured that they will prosper if they keep the commandments – for God will keep his word (his covenant).