King Benjamin continues his discourse by speaking the words of an angel who appears to him during the night. Thus the king, who has been judged of the Lord as righteous, can literally “speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel,” as Nephi proclaimed on behalf of all the faithful (see 2 Nephi 31:13). The process of divine communication in this case is clear: one is called to serve, one lives a life worthy of the Lord’s favor, one remains receptive to the word, the word is given, then the word is delivered to the people—that they likewise can experience the joy and edification of heavenly guidance. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explains the significance of the words King Benjamin is about to speak:
An angel from heaven recited to King Benjamin what well may be the greatest sermon ever delivered on the atonement of Christ the Lord. (Mosiah 3) Abinadi made it clear that God himself would redeem his people (Mosiah 13:32–33), that were it not for this redemption all mankind must have perished, and that the Lord redeemeth none of those who rebel against him and die in their sins (Mosiah 15). (The Promised Messiah: The First Coming of Christ [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1978], 232)