“There Is a Wo Pronounced”

Brant Gardner

Benjamin teaches that there is a “wo” attached to obeying the evil spirit. This should be seen in direct contrast to the “prosperity” that comes from obeying God. In each case, the human action has an accompanying response from the extra-human (God or the evil spirit). Benjamin also describes what that “wo” is. Allowing for repentance, Benjamin notes that the “wo” occurs in a case where repentance had not occurred (remaineth and dieth in his sins). In this case the “reward” for obeying the evil spirit is “damnation to his own soul.” This appears to be a “wo” directed specifically at Benjamin’s people, for it appears to require that they understand the will of God, and elect to go against it. This is a punishment that is particular to Benjamin’s audience, because they have been taught the commandments of God and are apparently living them pretty well at this time (verse 31’s “I would that ye should continue to do as ye have hitherto done”).

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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