“Now Zeezrom Was a Man Who Was Expert in the Devices of the Devil”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

One of those who most bitterly opposed Alma and Amulek was a lawyer named Zeezrom. We find recorded at great length, in the Book of Mormon, the details of the controversy that occurred between him and the two servants of the Lord. As a result, there are handed down to us some of the plainest teachings regarding the Atonement of Christ, His resurrection, the powers of the Priesthood, etc., that are had among mankind of any dispensation. But no matter what Alma or his companion said, Zeezrom could twist and turn it from its proper meaning, find blasphemy and heresy in the sublime truths of the Gospel, and exact treason from the simplest of God's laws.

He questioned and cross-questioned, he promised and threatened, he twisted and turned, he abused and vilified, but all to no purpose, Zeezrom was caught in his own trap. His Heaven-inspired opponents made manifest his thoughts and intentions; they exposed his lying; they overthrew his sophisteries; and with a power more than human, they exhibited the blackness of his heart.

As the missionaries proceeded to answer Zeezrom's challenge, the power of God seemed to increase within them; their words grew more forcible until Zeezrom, himself, felt their power and strength. As his corruptions were laid bare he began to tremble, first with rage, then with fear. But, bad as he was, he was not the worst among his people, and when he realized that the power with which he was coping came from God, his heart began to acknowledge its guilt.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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