“Chains of Hell”

Alan C. Miner

According to Robert Matthews, Alma uses the phrase "chains of hell" twice in this discourse; once in Alma 12:11 and once in Alma 13:30. This very descriptive term is apparently one that Alma liked, for he used it three times in an earlier sermon to the people of Zarahemla (Alma 5:7,9,10). It occurs one other time in the Book of Mormon, in Ammon's jubilant recounting of missionary success in which the Lord loosed many persons from "the chains of hell" (Alma 26:14). The term also occurs in the Doctrine and Covenants 138:23. The exact phrase "chains of hell" does not occur in the Bible or the Pearl of Great Price, although Peter speaks of those who are in "chains of darkness" (2 Peter 2:4). [Robert J. Matthews, "The Probationary Nature of Mortality," in The Book of Mormon: Alma, the Testimony of the Word, p. 52]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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