EVIDENCE: Mosiah’s Coronation Ceremony (Mosiah 1–6)

Ed J. Pinegar, Richard J. Allen

The first six chapters of Mosiah describe the coronation of King Benjamin’s son, Mosiah. The account of the coronation conforms to three important elements of ancient Israelite coronations, including (1) the coronation is held at the sanctuary—a society’s most sacred spot (in this case, the temple); (2) insignia are conferred upon the king (in this case Mosiah received the brass plates, Laban’s sword, and the Liahona); and (3) the king is anointed with oil. A fourth element of an ancient Israelite coronation involved the king receiving a throne name—a new name—when he was crowned. While it is not specified that Mosiah receives his throne name as part of the coronation rite, in light of other Book of Mormon patterns, it is highly likely. (See Echoes, 394–395).

Commentaries and Insights on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1

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