Benjamin reminds the people that he is not teaching them new doctrine but rather reviewing material they have already been taught and renewing their existing commitment. Significantly, he conscientiously notes that perhaps the little children have not been taught these things, meaning that these instructions have been repeatedly taught since the time of Mosiah1. Nevertheless, Benjamin develops an argument that creates literary tension between grown men, who might follow evil, and the “young children” who do not. This is his first mention of this important theme.
Benjamin reviews not only the general doctrine, but also its sources: the “fathers” and the “records.” Both sources teach Yahweh’s commandments.