Rather than enlarge on Samuel the Lamanite’s other prophecies (v. 1), Mormon gives us the essential prophecies of the third reason Samuel came upon the wall—the coming of the Son of God. We assume the prophecies that were not written pertained to the destruction of the Nephites. The reason why they “cannot be written” was probably because of their grossness. Mormon’s second epistle to his son Moroni (Moroni 9) is extremely gross, but Samuel’s prophesies must have been even worse than Mormon described. Another reason it couldn’t be written may have been tied to the abomination of the secret combinations. Previously Alma had commanded that they not be written (see Alma 37:27–32).
There were essentially four signs of the Saviors birth given by Samuel. While they are quite obvious from the text, we will summarize them here:
First, five years until Christ would be born (Helaman 14:2). Was this prophecy given on the exact calendar day five years before, or the general time? Based upon the day it was fulfilled it seems to have been considered the exact day for his future birth. At least the unbelievers set a day to put all the believers to death if the sign was not given (see 3 Nephi 1:9).
Secondly, there were to be great lights in the heavens, and there would be a day and a night with no darkness, or a total of two days and a night with the people knowing of the sun rising and setting (Helaman 14:3–4). How this happened could again have been by the power of God speaking to the earth and the earth obeying. Certainly, he who created an earth could control the light as well. There is no record of this sign being given in Jerusalem but perhaps it wasn’t desired there because of the natural birth through which he entered the world. Regardless, the sign was very appropriate because Christ was the light and life of the world (see 3 Nephi 9:18; John 1:4–5). There will be a similar sign given at his Second Coming. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the light shall not be clear, nor dark: But it shall be one day which shall be known to the Lord, not day, nor night: but it shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light” (Zechariah 14:6–7).
The third sign was a new star appearing in the heavens (Helaman 14:5). This sign was apparently given in the East, at least in some places. “There came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1–2). These magi may have been descendants of Judah who had not returned from Babylon in 538 B.C.
The fourth sign was not specific. There would be many signs and wonders in the heavens; but so amazing would this be that many would fall to the earth. This sign again was literally fulfilled (see 3 Nephi 1:16–17).
Those who believed on the Son of God would receive eternal life (v. 8) seems to refer to all four signs not just the fourth one. Of course it would be almost impossible to believe in one sign and not the others.
Samuel again refers to an angel instructing him to come and tell these things (v. 9). As mentioned above, this may have been prior to his first visit to them when he was cast out (13:2).