“Ye Must Pour Out Your Souls in Your Closets, and Your Secret Places”

Brant Gardner

Literature: At this point, as I read it, Amulek stops quoting the poem/hymn and expands the theme. The quotation began with the relationship between the supplicant and the king. The second focused on fields and household. Now the thought focuses on even more interior spaces, “your secret places.” This is the same direction—from outward to inward—as in Alma’s quotation of Zenos (Alma 33:5–6). I believe that Amulek is creating an intentional parallel to Zenos.

However, he expands on Zenos by invoking our attitude even when we are not in active supplication. Supplicants are still dependent, still aware of the unequal relationship, even when they are not actively imploring a boon.

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

References