Up to this point in the Book of Mormon you have read about times when the Nephites were righteous and about times when they were wicked. In the book of Helaman they go back and forth between righteousness and wickedness so often that it can almost be confusing. It certainly makes us wonder why they were so unstable. You may want to keep track in your notebook, or make a special mark in your scriptures, every time you read that the Nephites changed from righteousness to wickedness or from wickedness to righteousness in the book of Helaman. Make special note in Helaman 12 of Mormon’s explanation for these changes.
Another unusual aspect of the book of Helaman is that the Lamanites were often more righteous than the Nephites. In fact, one of the most memorable prophets in this book, and in the whole Book of Mormon, is a Lamanite named Samuel.
The book of Helaman ends just before the birth of Jesus Christ. President Ezra Taft Benson taught that “the record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May 1987, 4). You will want to look for these parallels as you read the book of Helaman.
When the great Nephite judge Pahoran died, there was a struggle over who would replace him. This led to dissension and bloodshed. During that time the Nephites faced two enemies: Kishkumen and Coriantumr. Who were those men and what were their objectives? While they fought against the Nephites in different ways, they were alike in their desire to destroy the Nephite society.
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Pahoran I |
Pahoran II |
Pacumeni |
Moronihah |
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| Paanchi • • brother of Pahoran II; led a rebellion against his brother |
Kishkumen • • killed Pahoran II and then organized a secret society |
Coriantumr • • a Nephite dissenter; led the Lamanite army |
Tubaloth • • son of the Lamanite king, Ammoron |
| Note: For help in pronouncing these names, see the pronunciation guide at the end of the Book of Mormon (pp. 532–35). | |||
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 1.
Who Did What?Write one sentence about the actions of each of the following people in Helaman 1: Pahoran (the son), Paanchi, Pacumeni, Kishkumen, Coriantumr, Tubaloth, Moronihah.
Consider what Helaman 1:13–17 reveals about Coriantumr and Tubaloth. Use the information in those verses and their footnotes to determine what these two wicked men had in common. You may be surprised.
The Moral of the StoryWhat lessons do you think the Nephites should have learned from the events in Helaman 1? Give specific examples from the chapter.
What lessons do you think people in our day might learn from Helaman 1? Give specific examples from the chapter.
Draw a PictureIn Helaman 1:18–34 is a description of Coriantumr’s fatal military move, which resulted in his defeat. After reading the account, draw a picture illustrating what happened to the Lamanite armies and why Moronihah was able to defeat them.
In Helaman 1, Mormon wrote about two chief judges being murdered. As you read Helaman 2, notice who the new chief judge was. Why do you suppose they chose him? What did he do to keep from being the third chief judge to be murdered? What could be done about that new and powerful threat to the Nephite nation? Notice also what Mormon said about the effect of those secret combinations.
Helaman 2:8—What Is a Secret Combination?Gadianton’s band, or organization, was a secret combination. Secret combinations are groups of people who use wicked methods to gain power and wealth. They operate in secret because they seek to deceive and take advantage of others. They operate by fraud, murder, and deception and are the enemies of honest governments and good people everywhere. They are willing to do whatever is necessary to advance their causes. Modern prophets have warned us that there are organizations today that are as dangerous as the Gadianton bands were in the time of the Nephites.
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Do activities A and B as you study Helaman 2.
Identify Key ElementsIn Helaman 2:13–14, what did Mormon write about the eventual effect of secret combinations among the Nephites?
Using Helaman 1:9–12 and 2:1–8, 11, list what secret combinations do, why they do it, and how they do it.
Give a Modern ExampleConsidering what you learned from doing activity A, write about how your life might be affected by secret combinations.
How do you think we can help prevent the spread of secret combinations?
Helaman 3 includes about 10 years of events among the Nephites. It was a time when the Nephites experienced much prosperity. There was also remarkable growth in the Church. Mormon made special note of what we might learn from this account. Pay special attention to the phrases “and thus we see” and “we see” for those important lessons.
Not everything was going well, however. Note the challenges the Nephites faced. What were the causes of those challenges?
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Helaman, son of Helaman |
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 3.
Make a Time LineThroughout Helaman 3 are dates. Each verse listed on the following time line has an accompanying event and the year that event occurred. In your notebook, draw a time line similar to the one below and complete it with what you learn in Helaman 3.
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Explain the RelationshipAccording to Helaman 3:1, what is the relationship between pride and dissension?
Apply the ScripturesImagine that you have a friend who has been struggling with making right choices. Your friend knows the gospel is true, but bad choices have brought feelings of guilt and questions about the possibility of repenting and whether or not repenting is worthwhile. In what specific ways could you use Helaman 3:27–30, 35 to help your friend avoid temptation, return to the Church, and increase his or her faith in Jesus Christ?
Prosperity can lead to wickedness. Wickedness can then lead to destruction. This is true not only for the Nephites but for people today. Why must we be threatened with destruction before we recognize that we are in spiritual difficulty? Why didn’t the Nephites obey the Lord both in good times and bad? In Helaman 4, Mormon described what happened when prosperity led to wickedness. His words may also apply to us and to some aspects of our society today.
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Do activities A and B as you study Helaman 4.
The Universal Sin
Choose three of the sins you wrote down and explain how pride could lead to that type of sin.
What does Helaman 3:35 say we can do to prevent or eliminate pride from our lives and thus prevent many different sins?
Now I SeeFind and highlight the phrase “they saw” in Helaman 4:23–26 and list the consequences of sin the Nephites saw.
What blessing has the Lord provided to help us “see” the consequences in advance so that we do not have to experience them? (see Mosiah 8:16–18).
Give a specific example of a consequence the Lord helped you or your family recognize and avoid because of this blessing.
Nephi, the son of Helaman, gave up the judgment seat in order to spend more time preaching the gospel, just as Alma had done a few decades before (see Alma 4:15–19). What do the actions of those two prophets teach us about how to best reform society? Nephi’s companion in preaching was his brother Lehi, a man who was as spiritual as Nephi (see Helaman 11:19). In Helaman 5 you will read about those great missionaries and about the counsel they received from their father. As you read this chapter, look for evidence that they listened to their father’s counsel.
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Nephi and Lehi Encircled by a Pillar of Fire |
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 5.
An Important WordElder Spencer W. Kimball, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: “When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants—you know what to do and you know how to do it—our greatest need is to remember. . . . ‘Remember’ is the word. ‘Remember’ is the program” (“Circles of Exaltation” [address to religious educators, June 28, 1968], 8).
Find and highlight the word remember in Helaman’s counsel to his sons in Helaman 5:5–14, and make a list in your notebook of what he wanted them to remember.
Choose one item from your list and explain the influence it would have in a person’s life if he or she would constantly remember that principle.
According to Helaman 5:5, 14, how did Nephi and Lehi respond to their father’s counsel?
Scripture Mastery—Helaman 5:12Create a picture of some kind—you can draw it, use pictures you cut out, or a combination of both—that would help you teach Helaman 5:12 to children in Primary. Share it with your family.
Provide EvidenceThe scriptures often speak of the power of the word of God. This refers to the effect of teaching the gospel and how it helps people change and repent of their sins. As you review Helaman 5:13–19, look for examples of “the power of the word.” Explain how the people in Nephi’s community changed as a result of his preaching to them.
In Helaman 6 we read about some of the effects of the mission of Nephi and Lehi among the people—especially among the Lamanites. There was much peace and prosperity. However, it is often easier to forget the Lord in times of peace and prosperity. When people focus on the temptations of this world, Satan can gain great power over them. One of his most effective tools is secret combinations. Secret combinations thrive where there is selfishness, greed, and hunger for power. This chapter records how Satan and secret combinations gained great power among the Nephites again. What can we learn from this? Read carefully to see what Mormon and the Lord wanted us to understand so we will not make those same errors and fall under the power of the adversary.
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Do two of the following activities (A–D) as you study Helaman 6.
Find Important PhrasesHelaman 6:31 teaches us that Satan had taken hold upon the hearts of “the more part” of the Nephites. He did not, and cannot, force them to be in his power. Find at least two phrases that describe how he was able to obtain power over the hearts of the Nephites. Write them in your notebook.
What can you do to keep Satan from taking hold upon your heart? You may consider some of the principles you learned in Helaman 5 as part of your answer.
Think of a QuestionIn your notebook make a chart similar to the one below, containing phrases from Helaman 6:21–31. Think of a question that can be answered by the phrase provided. The first item is an example to help you get started.
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Satan |
Who inspires the leaders of secret combinations? |
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“That they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant” |
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Gadianton |
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“Entire destruction” |
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“The author of all sin” |
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“Trample under their feet” |
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What Can You Do?List what Helaman 6:17–40 teaches about secret combinations. Note the verses where you found each item on your list.
Based on Helaman 6, make another list of three things you could do to help prevent or eliminate secret combinations and their evil effects from your society. Give a reference from Helaman 6 (or some other reference in the scriptures) for each idea you find.
Make a ComparisonIn your notebook, make a chart similar to the following to compare the condition of the Nephites with the condition of the Lamanites at the end of Helaman 6. For each verse listed from Helaman 6, write what it reveals about the condition of either the Nephites or the Lamanites. Some verses give information about only one of the groups.
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Nephi had been preaching the gospel far away from his home. When he returned, he was amazed and disappointed at the great wickedness of the people. Helaman 7 tells us what he said to the people about their condition.
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Nephi |
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Do activities A and B as you study Helaman 7.
Suggest a HymnReview Helaman 7:1–11. What would have been a good hymn to help lift Nephi’s spirit? Why? (For additional help, see the topics index at the end of the hymnbook.)
Identify Important IdeasUsing what you learn in Helaman 7:11–29, answer the following questions:
What did Nephi say was the reason for his “great mourning” (v. 11) for the Nephites?
What did Nephi say would happen if they did not repent? (Look for the repeated phrase “except ye shall repent” in these verses.)
What warnings have you heard our living prophets give the people of our day?
Helaman 7 showed that Nephi was very direct in preaching repentance. What happened when Lehi, Nephi, Abinadi, Alma, and Amulek were so direct with their people? How do you think Nephi’s teachings were received by his people? Pay special attention to what the Gadianton judges said and did.
Helaman 8:19–20—Who Were Zenos, Zenock, and Ezias?This is the only time Ezias is mentioned in the scriptures. Like those of Zenos and Zenock, his teachings were contained on the brass plates (see the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for 1 Nephi 19:10, p. 30). Helaman 8:21—Mulek, Son of ZedekiahThe descendants of Mulek were part of the people of Zarahemla discovered by Mosiah I and his people (see Omni 1:14–19). They became Nephites. |
Do activity A or B as you study Helaman 8.
Make a ComparisonIn Helaman 8:1–10, some of the wicked leaders of the people condemned Nephi. According to verses 4 and 10, why didn’t they seize Nephi and take him away to harm him?
In contrast to the feelings of the wicked men in Helaman 8, identify the phrase in Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 that describes the feeling we can have when we live a virtuous and righteous life.
Write a statement that summarizes a lesson we can learn from Helaman 8:4, 10.
Complete the OutlineNephi used examples from history to help the people understand the truth. In your notebook, make a diagram similar to the one below to outline the main ideas in his presentation. Use Helaman 8:11–20 to fill in the missing ideas in the outline.
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How can one know that someone is a prophet? At the end of Helaman 8, Nephi prophesied the death of the chief judge. It seems logical that when the people discovered the truth of that prophecy it would prove to them that Nephi was a prophet. As you read Helaman 9, look for the different reactions to the fulfillment of his prophecy, and think about why the people had such different reactions. Did those people understand the role of a prophet? What is the most important role of a prophet?
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 9.
What Did They Realize?Review Helaman 9:1–15 and answer the following questions:
What did the five Nephites discover about Nephi’s prophecy?
Why did they “fear” and “quake” and “fall to the earth” because of what they saw? (Be specific; quote verses from Helaman 7 as part of your answer.)
Why were the five Nephites taken to prison?
Find the Real ReasonAccording to Helaman 9:16–20, what explanation did the wicked judges give for the accuracy of Nephi’s prophecy?
If the wicked judges had been asked to explain why they thought Nephi did what they accused him of, what do you think they would have said?
What do you think was their real reason for accusing Nephi?
How are those judges similar to people today who refuse to believe the evidences that God lives and speaks to His prophets?
Finish the SentenceCopy the following unfinished sentences into your notebook. Then finish the sentences from the information in Helaman 9:39–41.
Some people believed Nephi’s words because . . .
Others listened to the five Nephites and believed because . . .
Some said Nephi was a prophet because . . .
Others said he was a god because . . .
We might think that the people would want to follow Nephi after his prophecies about the chief judge were fulfilled. The contention at the end of Helaman 9, however, is evidence that miracles do not convert people. Look in Helaman 10 for the qualities that enable a person to be steadfast. Also note the special power the Lord gave Nephi and why he was trusted with such a blessing. How did that power from God affect the people? How should it have affected them?
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Nephi |
Helaman 10:4–10—Nephi Received Specific Power from GodHelaman 10:7 teaches that the Lord promised Nephi that whatever he bound or loosed on earth would be bound or loosed in heaven. This is the same power the Savior gave to Peter, James, and John (see Matthew 16:19) and the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 128:8–10; 132:46). These same powers, or keys, are held by the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We learn from the account in Helaman 10 that this power is only given to those whom the Lord can trust. |
Do activities A and B as you study Helaman 10.
Why Did Nephi Receive Such Great Power?List the promises the Lord made to Nephi in Helaman 10:4–10.
According to those verses, why was the Lord willing to grant him such great power?
Read also Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 and explain what this verse teaches about why Nephi was so blessed. Also explain what this verse means to you.
What Would You Say?Imagine you were a Nephite living at the time of Helaman 10 and you were a witness of what is recorded there. If you were writing to a friend in a distant town about the prophet Nephi, what three characteristics would you mention in your letter? Explain what impression each of those characteristics has made on you concerning Nephi.
If you were given the power the Lord gave Nephi in Helaman 10, how would you best use it to help your people? Helaman 11 tells what Nephi did and how the people responded. Look also for more about the effects of the Gadianton bands on the nation. What would you say was the greatest problem among the Nephite people? How is this problem manifest (seen) today?
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 11.
Identify the DetailsWrite the following headings in your notebook. Find and list details from the account in Helaman 11:1–18 that belong under each heading.
The Problem
Nephi’s Solution
The Effect
The Final Result
Create a Front PageHelaman 11:17–22 describes what happened during several years of the reign of the judges (about 16–14 B.C.). Using the following sample front page for the 76th year, create newspaper front pages for the 77th and 78th years using the events described for each year.
How Did It Happen?Review Helaman 11:28–37 and answer the following questions:
What did the Nephite and Lamanite armies do to try to get rid of the Gadianton robbers?
How successful were they?
Why did the Gadianton robbers become so powerful? What lesson might be learned for our day?
In Helaman 12 Mormon interrupted his account of the Nephites to speak directly to us. In the previous chapters he recorded how the Nephites went from wickedness to righteousness and then back to wickedness again—over and over. What seemed especially frustrating to Mormon was that the Nephites were only righteous when they were in urgent need of God’s help. They did not seem to do well when the Lord blessed and prospered them. Read this chapter carefully since it was written for our day and time. Hopefully we can learn from Mormon’s counsel and avoid the problems the Nephites experienced.
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Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 12.
See the PrinciplesIn each of the first three verses of Helaman 12, Mormon wrote about what we should “see” from the example of the Nephites. You may want to highlight the phrases “we can behold,” “we can see,” “we may see,” and “thus we see” in verses 1–3. Then list in your own words in your notebook the principles Mormon wanted to be sure we understood.
Add to your list the principles about God and man that Mormon identified in verses 4–6.
Give an example showing one of these principles you have seen at work today.
Choose and Use the Important WordsHelaman 12:8–20 describes the power of the Lord. For each verse in this passage, choose a word or phrase you think is important in what Mormon was teaching us. After you list the key words, use all of them in writing a summary of Mormon’s message in these verses.
The ConclusionHelaman 12:23–26 contains Mormon’s counsel for what the Lord desires of us. Imagine you have a friend who is having problems similar to those the Nephites were experiencing. Assume that you have already explained the principles Mormon taught in Helaman 12:1–22 and, in your own words, write the same counsel to your friend.
The situation in Helaman 13 is different from what we typically find in the Book of Mormon. This chapter tells about a Lamanite prophet, Samuel, who prophesied to the unrepentant Nephites about their coming destruction. The Nephites rejected Samuel—but not because he was a Lamanite. As you read this chapter, think about Samuel’s message and why he desired to deliver it. Ask yourself why the people rejected Samuel and his message. Why do people at any time reject the messages of prophets?
Helaman 13:24–29—Rejecting the ProphetsWhen we reject true prophets, who see by the light of revelation, and follow instead those who have no divine light, we are really following “blind guides” (Helaman 13:29). President Marion G. Romney, who was a member of the First Presidency, said: “Those who profess to accept the gospel and who at the same time criticize and refuse to follow the counsel of the prophet are assuming an indefensible position. Such a spirit leads to apostasy” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1983, 21; or Ensign, May 1983, 17). President Ezra Taft Benson, when he was President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “How we respond to the words of a living prophet when he tells us what we need to know, but would rather not hear, is a test of our faithfulness” (“Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” in 1980 Devotional Speeches of the Year [1981], 28). Helaman 13:38—How Is Happiness Obtained?The Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God. . . . “. . . He never will institute an ordinance or give a commandment to His people that is not calculated [designed] in its nature to promote that happiness which He has designed, and which will not end in the greatest amount of good and glory to those who become the recipients of his law and ordinances” (History of the Church, 5:134–35). |
Do activity A or B as you study Helaman 13.
List the Sins and ConsequencesFind and list the sins the Lord said are the most tempting for people (see vv. 7–8, 14–24, 26–28, 38).
Which of those sins do you think are the most tempting to people your age today?
List the consequences the Lord warned of if the Nephites did not repent (see vv. 8–10, 17–20, 29–38).
In what ways have these consequences come upon those who refuse to repent today?
True Prophets, False ProphetsIn Helaman 13:24–28, Samuel described how the Nephites rejected the true prophets and honored false ones. Review those verses with a parent or Church leader and together complete the following:
List some examples showing how people reject the Lord’s true prophets today.
List some examples of people or organizations that some look to for direction and guidance instead of the Lord’s prophets.
Search Helaman 13:29–39 and describe how those verses might be fulfilled in our day.
The Nephites were separated in distance from the Savior’s mortal ministry by many hundreds of miles. They knew of Jesus Christ and His gospel through their scriptures and the testimony of their prophets and by personal revelation. In Helaman 14 you will learn of some very specific signs promised to the Nephites that would mark the birth and death of Jesus Christ in Israel. As you continue your study through the rest of Helaman and into 3 Nephi, watch for the fulfillment of those signs. Notice also who believed those witnesses, who did not, and why.
We are in a similar situation. We are separated in time from the Savior’s mortal ministry by many hundreds of years. We have the same witnesses and the same opportunity to receive personal revelation. We also have the testimony of modern prophets that Jesus Christ truly is the Son of God and that He will come again. We also have specific signs that have been promised regarding that Second Coming. As you read how completely the prophecies about the Savior’s first coming were fulfilled, ponder the similarities with the prophecies we have about His Second Coming (see also D&C 1:37–38).
Helaman 14:18–20—What Is “Spiritual Death” or “Second Death”?For more information, see the “Understanding the Scriptures” section for Alma 12 (p. 106). Helaman 14:29–31—We Can Choose Our Actions but Not the ConsequencesElder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught: “When others give you advice, have you ever said, ‘I just don’t believe the way you do. Those are your standards and your principles. I have my own’? Please understand that no one can change truth. Rationalization, overpowering self-interest, all of the arguments of men, anger, or self-will cannot change truth. Satan knows that, so he tries to create an atmosphere where one unwittingly begins to feel that he can not only choose what to do, but can determine what is right to do. Satan strives to persuade us to live outside truth by rationalizing our actions as the right of choice.
“But our Eternal Father defined truth and established what is right and wrong before the creation of this earth. He also fixed the consequences of obedience and disobedience to those truths. He defended our right to choose our path in life so that we would grow, develop, and be happy, but we do not have the right to choose the consequences of our acts. . . . “Please understand, no one has the privilege to choose what is right. God reserved that prerogative to Himself. Our agency does allow us to choose among alternate paths, but then we are bound to the consequence God has decreed. Later, if we don’t like where the path takes us, the only out is through repentance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 82–83; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 61). |
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 14.
List the SignsMake two columns in your notebook. Title one “Signs of Christ’s Birth” and title the other one “Signs of Christ’s Death.” List the signs Samuel gave the people in Helaman 14:2–7, 20–28; also list the verse where each sign is recorded.
According to Helaman 14:8–13, 28–31, what was the purpose of the signs?
Why Did Jesus Have to Die?|
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Det Nationalhistoriske Museum på Frederiksborg |
Helaman 14:14 begins Samuel’s prophecies of the signs of Jesus Christ’s death. As a part of this prophecy he explained why it was necessary that Christ die. Summarize these important teachings by listing the reasons Samuel gave in Helaman 14:15–19.
Answer Using the ScripturesSuppose a young person said to you, “Everyone is driving me crazy! My parents, my leaders, my teachers—everyone keeps telling me what to do. Why are there so many commandments? Why can’t they just leave me alone and let me make my own decisions?” Use Helaman 14:29–31 and Elder Scott’s statement from the “Understanding the Scriptures” section to write a reply to that person’s questions. Be sure to include an explanation of the relationship between agency, consequences, and Heavenly Father’s commandments.
Throughout most of the Book of Mormon account, the Nephites enjoyed the blessings of the gospel, including the privilege of having prophets and scriptures. The Lord has said that where much is given, much is required (see Luke 12:48; D&C 82:3). Look for how Samuel taught this principle in Helaman 15.
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Do activity A or B as you study Helaman 15.
Explain the IdeaAccording to Helaman 15:3 and Doctrine and Covenants 95:1; 101:1–9, what is the purpose of the Lord’s chastening?
How is chastening a display of God’s love for us?
In what ways is the Lord’s chastening love similar to parents’ love as they chasten their children when necessary?
Review the warning Samuel gave the Nephites in Helaman 15:14–17 and explain how this scripture is similar to the Lord’s warning in Doctrine and Covenants 82:1–4.
How to Be Firm and SteadfastSamuel pointed out that the Lamanites who were converted through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren remained faithful even when the Nephites did not (see Helaman 15:1–6).
Search Helaman 15:7–8 and identify what happened to those Lamanites that caused them to be so “firm and steadfast in the faith.”
Draw the following diagram in your notebook and fill in the missing steps from what you learned in verses 7–8.
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What part of this process do you feel you need to improve to increase your faith in Jesus Christ?
While Helaman 13–15 is a record of Samuel’s prophecies among the Nephites, Helaman 16 records the different ways people responded to his prophecies. The gospel message can draw out many different reactions. President Spencer W. Kimball said that worship “is an individual responsibility, and regardless of what is said from the pulpit, if one wishes to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, he may do so by attending his meetings, partaking of the sacrament, and contemplating the beauties of the gospel. If the [church] service is a failure to you, you have failed. No one can worship for you; you must do your own waiting upon the Lord” (“The Sabbath—A Delight,” Ensign, Jan. 1978, 5). As you read how the people responded to Samuel, consider how you might have responded to the message. Also notice how feelings changed as more time passed from the time Samuel prophesied.
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Do activity A as you study Helaman 16.
Compare the Divisions among the PeopleList the following in your notebook: “many” (Helaman 16:1), “as many” (v. 2), “many more” (v. 3), “as many” (v. 5), “the more part” (v. 6), “the more part” (v. 10), “the lesser part” (v. 10), “the people” (v. 12), “men, wise men” (v. 14), “the people” (vv. 15–22), “the people of the Lord” (v. 23). After each listing, write in your own words how that particular group of people responded to Samuel’s message, Nephi’s teachings, or the signs and wonders given in the last five years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
Ponder about what it must have been like to be a true follower of Jesus Christ at the time of Helaman 16. Write what you can do today in your personal preparation for His Second Coming and why it is important.
