“My Son Go Thy Way, Declare the Word with Truth and Soberness”

Alan C. Miner

Despite a severe reproof, Alma reminds Corianton that he is "called of God to preach the word unto this people: "And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness. . . " (Alma 42:32). In Alma 43:1 we find that "the sons of Alma did go forth among the people, to declare the word unto them." The text gives the blessings for the sons of Alma as "ABOUT 73 B.C." (the eighteenth year). One would assume that the sons of Alma went forth very early in that same year (see Alma 43:3-4). With this chronology in mind, the reader might ponder upon the gravity of Corianton's sin relative to the time period of his repentance.

It is interesting to note that in Alma 45:2 we find the chronological reference to "the nineteenth year [72 B.C.] of the reign of the judges." In that same year it says concerning the Nephites: "Thus they were led away by Amalickiah to dissensions, notwithstanding the preaching of Helaman and his brethren, yea, . . . they were high priests over the church (Alma 46:6). If the term "Helaman and his brethren" includes Corianton, then he apparently had completely repented of his sins by this time because he was a "high priest." [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on Alma 43:1]

The Lord Redeems His Covenant Children

Alma 1 -- Alma 44

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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