“Glad Tidings of Great Joy”

Brant Gardner

Benjamin continues in his service to his people. Not only has he worked with his hands, he has worked with his heart and soul. Not only has he labored physically, he has labored spiritually, and in response to his prayers this communication comes.

Literary: Verse 3 has the angel announcing tidings of great joy. In this verse, Benjamin is told that he may rejoice, and may declare this message to his people that they also may rejoice. Thus in two verses, we have the conception of “joy” presented three times. In this case, the repetition is literary, and focuses the joy differently as the triplet expands. In the first declaration, the message itself is “tidings of great joy.” The contents of the message in and of themselves contain “joy.” In the next two phrases, that “joy” is applied to first Benjamin as the king, and then extended to his people. Thus the joy is being transferred and focused, first from the message, second to the king, and third to the king’s people.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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