The Lord blessing the land with rain (v. 17) reminds us of Alma’s admonition to the Zoramites.
13 And now, because ye are compelled to be humble blessed are ye; for a man sometimes, if he is compelled to be humble, seeketh repentance; and now surely, whosoever repenteth shall find mercy; and he that findeth mercy and endureth to the end the same shall be saved.
14 And now, as I said unto you, that because ye were compelled to be humble ye were blessed, do ye not suppose that they are more blessed who truly humble themselves because of the word?
15 Yea, he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty. [Alma 32:13–15]
The joy of the gospel (v. 18) can only be understood by experiences. Nephi and Ammon experienced similar joy (see Alma 26). The total reversal of the people’s attitude toward Nephi (v. 18) must have also made him rejoice. We probably don’t express enough appreciation to our leaders for their dedication to God and the Church.
The eleventh characteristic of a prophet is also shown at this time with Nephi. The people did esteem Nephi as a prophet (v. 18). The Lord always establishes his prophets in the eyes of the people. Elisha parted the Jordan River. He cured the water at Jericho (2 Kings 2:12–15). The house of Israel knew he had replaced Elijah. The young prophet Samuel is another good example.
19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.
20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. [1 Samuel 3:19–20]
When Peter raised the woman named Dorcas from death “it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord” (Acts 9:42).
Joseph Smith was established in the eyes of many as he began the restoration of the gospel in these latter days. John Taylor is a good example since he met the Prophet when he was being criticized similar to Nephi, son of Helaman.
“In March 1837, John Taylor went to Kirtland, Ohio, and had the opportunity to meet the Prophet Joseph Smith for the first time and learn more about the principles of the newly restored gospel. At the time of John Taylor’s visit to Kirtland, many Church members had become critical of the Prophet Joseph. Even some members of the Quorum of the Twelve were caught up in this dissenting spirit, including Parley P. Pratt, who had approached him and shared some of his doubts about the Prophet, Brother Taylor replied:
‘I am surprised to hear you speak so, Brother Parley. Before you left Canada you bore a strong testimony to Joseph Smith being a Prophet of God, and to the truth of the work he has inaugurated; and you said you knew these things by revelation, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. You gave to me strict charge to the effect that though you or an angel from heaven was to declare anything else I was not to believe it. Now Brother Parley, it is not man that I am following, but the Lord. The principles you taught me led me to Him, and I now have the same testimony that you then rejoiced in. If the work was true six months ago, it is true today; if Joseph Smith was then a prophet, he is now a prophet.’ To Elder Pratt’s credit, he soon repented of his feelings and continued to be a valiant servant of the Lord.” [Teachings of Presidents of the Church; John Taylor, 77]
Little has been said about Lehi, but the tribute paid to him by Mormon (v. 19) should whet our appetites to learn more of him when the opportunity comes. The Lord usually provides a close friend to bolster his prophet when persecution and trials are prevalent. Sam was always in support of Nephi, son of Lehi (see 2 Nephi 4:11). Jonathan was a comfort to King David (see 1 Samuel 23:16–18). Hyrum Smith was a true friend to his brother Joseph (see D&C 135:6–7). The list could go on.
Once more Mormon bears witness of the prosperity of the church members, and the church itself, when the gospel is lived, and its peaceful effect is upon the entire land (Helaman 11:20–21). What an effect we could have on the world today if we all lived as we should.