“I Do Know That Christ Shall Come Among the Children of Men”

Brant Gardner

Literature: Amulek is establishing a ring of testimony around the Messiah’s coming. He begins by confirming, but not repeating, what they have just heard Alma say. His focus is on the scriptural evidence Alma quoted, specifically naming Zenos, Zenock, and Moses, as Alma had done. Apparently, he is making sure that he is the second witness to Alma’s testimony. He next offers himself as a witness: “I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true.” He becomes the second living witness, reinforcing the three ancient testators of this doctrine. Thus, they provide two sets of at least two witnesses. If not explicit, it appears that implicitly the Nephite society accepts the Deuteronomic law of witnesses (Deut. 19:15, see commentary accompanying Alma 9:6). If the farmers do take this law of witnesses seriously, Alma and Amulek have presented what they understand to be an iron-clad witness of the coming of the Messiah.

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

References