“The Fruit of Their Labors”

Brant Gardner

Alma concludes by pronouncing a blessing on Mosiah’s sons and the Anti-Nephi-Lehies who were the “fruits of their labors.” He first desires that his old friends should “sit down in the kingdom of God” (see commentary accompanying Alma 5:24), meaning that he wishes for Mosiah’s sons to receive exaltation in Yahweh’s presence. It is not completely clear what Alma means by desiring that the Anti-Nephi-Lehies “may go no more out, but that they may praise him forever.” Presumably “going out” would mean abandoning the gospel and their belief in Yahweh. Naturally, he desires that they remain steadfast in the gospel and “praise him [Yahweh] forever.” Because this phrase is linked with the former clause by “but,” it presents a contrasting condition. In short, “going out” would result in the Anti-Nephi-Lehies not praising Yahweh forever.

Text: This is not the end of a chapter in the 1830 edition. The inserted citation ends, and the next chapter returns to the historical narrative, but Mormon did not create a chapter break at this point.

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

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