“He Has Brought Our Fathers Out of Egypt”

Brant Gardner

On one level, he confirms that, since the Lord could work a miracle in bringing his forefathers out of Egypt, he could (and did) work another miracle in Alma’s behalf. But the flight from Egypt has particular significance. First, in the miracle at the Red Sea, Israel symbolically passed through water to be saved. This allusion may be a baptismal image. Second, the contrast between the saving of the Israelites and the swallowing up of the Egyptians becomes a model for destroying the wicked and saving the righteous. Alma’s wickedness was destroyed, and he was saved for and to righteousness.

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

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