People seem to put a lot of stock in the last things people say... As in "With his dying breath, he uttered the name of his true love..." Or something like that. I think there's some truth to that. I think that perhaps people who know they are about to depart say important things in an effort to influence the world one last time.
Alma, knowing that this would be the last time he spoke to his sons, had them come in for some final counsel and direction. Helaman gets charge of the plates, the Liahona, the 24 plates found by Limhi's people, and the interpreters. The possession and use of the interpreters makes one a seer, so the leadership of the church at that time also passed to Helaman. His counsel is much of what you would expect one leader to give to his successor. Mainly, it amounts to - stay close to the Lord and He will direct you.
His son Shiblon gets a few verses also, mainly in the form of commendation. He was a good son who had brought much honor to his father through his faithfulness and diligence. While this may seem like he's been slighted, I'm sure it was every bit as valuable as Helaman or Coriantumr's instruction. Besides, if people are doing well, what need have they of hearing more? They just need a "Keep on" and a little encouragement. That's all I need, really. I know what I need to do - I just need a little affirmation once in a while.
Alma's remarks to Coriantumr will be addressed in a later post.
Alma, knowing that this would be the last time he spoke to his sons, had them come in for some final counsel and direction. Helaman gets charge of the plates, the Liahona, the 24 plates found by Limhi's people, and the interpreters. The possession and use of the interpreters makes one a seer, so the leadership of the church at that time also passed to Helaman. His counsel is much of what you would expect one leader to give to his successor. Mainly, it amounts to - stay close to the Lord and He will direct you.
His son Shiblon gets a few verses also, mainly in the form of commendation. He was a good son who had brought much honor to his father through his faithfulness and diligence. While this may seem like he's been slighted, I'm sure it was every bit as valuable as Helaman or Coriantumr's instruction. Besides, if people are doing well, what need have they of hearing more? They just need a "Keep on" and a little encouragement. That's all I need, really. I know what I need to do - I just need a little affirmation once in a while.
Alma's remarks to Coriantumr will be addressed in a later post.
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