“Impart of the Substance That Ye Have One to Another”

Brant Gardner

Benjamin now makes the example explicit. Yahweh, who is clearly of higher status, grants tremendous blessings to those of lower status. Therefore, those among Benjamin’s people who also have comparatively higher status should likewise generously bless those of lower status.

An unstated assumption of Benjamin’s argument is that these are communal laws that the newly united people of Zarahemla should obey. The people of Zarahemla would have understood that these laws apply internally, but not necessarily externally—to enemies. In much the same way, modern Latter-day Saints can discharge our obligations for charity through fast offerings, an internal opportunity for alms-giving.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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