After the first session of the conference was over, allowing the aged King Benjamin to seek a much needed rest, he again began to instruct his God-fearing people. The spirit of prophecy was greatly with him, and they, by that same spirit, understood his words. With exceeding great joy he declared unto them many things that would yet come to pass.
Firmly, but with a heart filled with gladness, he proclaimed the coming of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, at a time not far distant when, with power, He would bring Salvation to everyone who believed on His name.
We may imagine the magnificent effect of his words when we remember that Benjamin was their High-Priest, as, also, he was their king.
The scene presented here was almost inspiring, certainly inspiriting. Bowed down with the weight of years, his white hair flowing with the breeze, his voice trembling and scarcely audible even to the multitude that had gathered to hear his parting instructions, King Benjamin solemnly raised his arms toward heaven and at the same time he told them of a visit by an angel to him, and of the wonderful things the angel had said.
He told them how he had been roused from a peaceful slumber by a voice that said, "Awake; and hear the words which I shall tell thee." This was the voice of one sent down from On High: "For behold, I am come to declare unto thee the glad tidings of great joy."
The heavenly messenger then imparted to Benjamin his divine commitment, saying that, because of thy righteousness and thy prayers, which the Lord hath heard, He "hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy."
The remaining verses of Chapter 3, are a record of the things the angel said to King Benjamin. The angel ended his visit with the King and High-Priest with these words, "Thus hath the Lord commanded me. Amen."
King Benjamin proceeded to declare to his people, by way of prophecy, the "glad tidings" committed to him by the angel.