“Impart of the Substance”

Brant Gardner

The example is now made explicit. God, who is clearly of higher status, grants to those of lower status tremendous blessings. Therefore, those among Benjamin’s people who are also of higher status should also impart of their wealth to those of lower status – to the beggars.

An unstated presumption of his argument is that these are communal laws. These are the ways in which the City of Zarahemla in its new, united form should have. The people of Zarahemla would have understood that these laws apply internally, but not necessarily externally – to enemies. In much the same way, we are able to discharge our obligations for charity through the fast offerings in the modern church.

Multidimensional Commentary on the Book of Mormon

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