Episode 47: The sermon on the wall

Helaman 13-15

13 ¹ In 6 BCE, when the Nephites were wicked and the Lamanites obeyed the commandments of Moses, a Lamanite preacher named Samuel visited the land of Zarahelma. He preached for many days, until the Nephites kicked him out of town.

³ As Samuel was on his way home, the Lord came told him to return to Zarahelma and prophesy to the people. ⁴ But the people wouldn't let him enter the city, so he climbed up on the wall and cried out with a loud voice, prophesying whatever God put into his heart.

^5-9 Samuel introduced himself and told the people that in 400 years they will all be destroyed with the sword, famine, and pestilence. ¹⁰ He said that some of the Nephite's fourth generation of enemies will live to see the Nephite's destruction, unless, of course, they happen to repent in the meantime.

^23-28 Samuel continued his sermon on the wall, saying that because of the Nephite's iniquities God cursed the land and their riches. Woe unto them, he says, because they mock prophets. Cast stones at them, kill them, and do all kinds of other bad things to them, just like people used to do back in the old times. He says that the Nephites are even worse, though, since they call true prophets (like Samuel) false prophets, sinners, of the devil, etc. But when a man comes along and encourages them to walk after the pride of their eyes, or do whatever their heart desires, they call him a prophet. They give this man their gold and whatnot just because he flatters them.

²⁹ Then Samuel starts quoting some of the stuff that Jesus supposedly said forty or so years after Samuel's sermon. He called an entire generation wicked and perverse, with hard hearts and stiff necks. He asked how long he'd have to suffer by being around them. He said that they were led by foolish and blind guides, that they chose darkness rather than light. ³⁷ He said that the Nephites are surrounded by demons and someday they'll wish they could escape God's wrath. But they procrastinated until it was too late, and their destruction is certain. They sought happiness doing things that were contrary to the "great and Eternal Head."

Samuel's amazing prophecies

14 ¹ In 6 BCE, Samuel the Lamanite continued his sermon on the wall. He said many more things that Helaman couldn't put in his plates. ² But here is some of what Samuel said: The Son of God will come in five years. ³ The night before Jesus is born there will be great lights in the sky that will make the night as bright as day! ⁵ When Jesus is born, a new star will arise that no one had ever seen before, along with many other astronomical signs and wonders.

¹² Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, and the Creator of all things. ¹³ If you repent and believe on his name you might be forgiven for your sins. ¹⁸ Otherwise you'll be cast into the fire of hell.

²⁰ When Jesus dies it will be absolutely dark for three days and nights. No sun, moon, or stars will be seen anywhere on earth for 72 hours. ²¹ There will be thunder and lightning for many hours, the earth will shake, and rocks will break. ²³ There will be great storms, many mountains will be smashed into valleys, valleys will become mountains, ²⁴ highways will break apart, cities will be destroyed, ²⁸28 All these things will happen so that everyone on earth will see the signs, so there'll be no excuse for unbelief.

²⁹ God has made you free, so use your freedom wisely. Believe and be saved; disbelieve and be damned. It's your choice.

15 ² Unless you repent, your houses will be desolate, and your women will mourn when they give suck. God will make things especially bad for pregnant women; they'll be trodden down and left to perish.

^3-4 God loved the Nephites but hated the Lamanites because of the traditions of their fathers. ¹¹ So now even if the Lamanites start to dwindle in unbelief, the Lord will prolong their days until they are again restored into the knowledge of the truth. ¹² And in the latter times the Lamanites will be hunted and scattered, having no place of refuge. ¹³ But they'll be brought to the true knowledge of their redeemer. ¹⁷ If the Nephites don't repent, God will destroy them all for their unbelief.