“Great is My Joy”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

Because the people of Gideon were strong in their faith in the coming Redeemer, Alma's prophecy concerning Jesus Christ was received by them with gladness. This caused Alma greatly to rejoice. He found dwelling within each of them the enlightening spirit of prophecy which not only witnessed the truth of his words, but also united them in the bonds of brotherly love which in the end reveals the spirit of the Gospel of Christ.

Alma had read the words of King David which, no doubt, were engraved upon the Brass Plates of Laban, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." The unity of the Saints in Gideon filled Alma with an almost inexpressible joy. He remembered reading in the Jewish Scriptures that the Lord, when He saw the united faithfulness and loyalty of Ancient Israel, commanded the blessing of Life Evermore. Unity, said the Psalmist, "It is like the precious ointment upon the head," and we, ourselves, may be assured that to the Nephites in Gideon unity was like the "dew that descended" and refreshed "the mountains of Zion" when the Lord promised to Israel that eternal blessing, Everlasting Life. (See Psalm 133)

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

References