“Zeezrom Began to Tremble More Exceedingly”

Brant Gardner

Alma’s words fall upon Zeezrom with great effect. Mormon generously attributes Zeezrom’s change to Alma’s and Amulek’s clearsightedness; however, Zeezrom’s change of heart is more likely the result of the Spirit. His arguments were part of the well-known differences between Nehorism and the Nephite gospel, so it was probably no great feat of discernment to see through his plan. Something awakened in Zeezrom, something he either had not experienced or had not recognized. As a result, he relinquishes the role of the questioner-to-entrap and becomes a questioner-to-learn.

Zeezrom’s question picks up where Amulek left off—precisely the point where Zeezrom’s learning had given him different answers than Amulek’s. He is now open to learning more. Unlike Nehor, Zeezrom was able to repent.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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