“Moronihah Regains Half of Their Lands”

Monte S. Nyman

The regaining of one-half of the Nephite lands was accomplished in two years, the sixty and sixty-first year of the judges (vv. 9–10). In Mormon’s abridgments he tells why the lands had been lost (vv. 11–13) and the reasons for their lands being regained (vv. 14–15). Both observations are important, the first as a warning to us and the latter was a preventive measure for prosperity.

The wickedness and abominations that caused the loss of their lands were the effects of pride. Pride was an effect of misuse of the riches with which they had been blessed (vv. 11–12). Five years of “great slaughter” could have otherwise been avoided; three years of being driven out, and two years of regaining the losses. However, all was not regained, only one-half. The following illustrates the cause and effect of following Satan. (There is no specific correlation between the lists.)

Cause

Effect on Society

Oppression of the poor

Murder and plunder

Smiting the humble

Lying and stealing

Mocking the sacred

Dissension and contention

Denying revelation and testimony

No strength from the Lord

Boast in own strength

Afflicted and smitten

The regaining of the lands and the prosperity that the Nephites experienced were obtained because of the preaching and prophesying of Moronihah, Nephi, and Lehi (vv. 14–16). Applying their situation to our day, we have a critical choice. Do we follow the prophets, or are we willing to reap the effects of following Satan? Collectively many people in our nation are following Satan. As with the Nephites, many who prefer to belong to the Church today are also lifted up in pride (v. 11). We must use our influence to help them repent and listen to the counsel and testimony of the prophets.

Book of Mormon Commentary: The Record of Helaman

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