Saturday, July 9, 2022

George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl on Divine Providence

Commenting on Alma 62:14-17, Reynolds and Sjodahl offered the following about the providence of God:

 

VERSES 14-17. Moroni and Pahoran with a large body of men took their march towards the Land of Nephihah. Notwithstanding the sudden call for help from Pahoran, to which Moroni was compelled to contribute. He continued to plan the deliverance of Nephihah from the Lamanitish hands, which was the thing he wanted most to do. But to his honor and perspicacity, he put that aside, and brought peace once more to Zarahemla. To do so was to him a diversionary movement, for it confronted his foes with a new problem, the manner of his approach. That diversion proved the strength of his leadership, and now he took up again the consideration of ways and means to liberate the City of Nephihah. In furtherance of the plans Moroni made, together with Pahoran, he left a large company of men to defend Zarahemla, and took with him another corps of troops and marched towards Nephihah "being determined to overthrow the Lamanites in that city."

 

Providence lent a helping hand in their undertaking. As they followed a course that would lead them to the stricken city, they came across a large company of Lamanitish warriors who, evidently, were out looking for a likely place to plunder and from which they might steal. The army of Moroni's immediately attacked them, slew many, and took their provisions and weapons of war. To the number of 4000, the Nephites also took prisoners; indoctrinated them according to Nephite beliefs, and at their own request, sent them to join their brethren, the People of Ammon in the Land of Jershon. This incident in Moroni's campaign was not an accident. It proves that the Lord is willing to, and does help His people in their difficulties if they keep His commandments. To the Nephite armies He provided new and much needed supplies. We, ourselves, may be strengthened and aided, too, when we remember that in all things, "The accidents of man are the inspirations of God, and the incidents of this life are the leadings and the guidings of Him Who made it." Here we are reminded of the words of the poet concerning the purposes of the Lord; they are applicable in this case: "Out of evil, still educing good." (George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 7 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1977], 5:173-74)