“Behold Such Gross Wickedness Among the Children of Men”

Brant Gardner

Alma’s response to the Zoramite social situation is an anguished prayer. He sees Zoramite worship as a complete reversal of gospel principles. Since they had learned the gospel but actively rejected it, Alma sees them as grossly wicked. They have consciously chosen to oppose Yahweh’s true plan.

As Alma describes the particular problems with the Zoramites, he specifically mentions their pride, manifested in a public display of “costly apparel,” “ringlets,” “bracelets,” and golden “ornaments” as each mounts the holy stand. Alma not only hears their expressions of pride but sees it as they participate in a ceremony designed to literally place the wearer above the crowd.

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

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