The Book of Mormon: Commentary Alma 13

Nearly two years ago today marked a monumental day in my life. Up until that crucial moment, I read the Book of Mormon as if it were a novel. The spirit testified as I read, but an in depth analysis of the sacred writings I had previously skimmed through never took place.

My second mission companion, Joe Hutchings, broke down scripture in a way I had never seen performed. One morning he set a goal to not leave the house until each one of us had shared a “deep doctrine” learned that morning. I remember listening attentively as he explained to me about what he had learned. He then asked me what I had learned. Feeling inferior, I responded that I enjoyed reading Alma 13, but unfortunately could not find anything very profound in the chapter. His jaw dropped, and he took the next ten minutes expounding on the chapter. My eyes had cracked open for the first time.

The next day, I reread the chapter. This marked my first day of studying and not just reading the scriptures. During that time I felt my eyes were opened and that I learned valuable insights. After taking this class, I feel that my eyes have not only opened wider, but that I have been handed a pair of binoculars.

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Questions can be drawn in the naming of Noah. The necessity of a Savior becomes more evident as the doctrines contained in the chapter become clearer and clearer. Many high Priests, but none Greater

What similarities exist in the life of the Savior, and that of Melchizedek? In what way did Melchizedek view his priesthood?

Context

Alma is addressing the city of Ammonihah in Chapter 13. Modern day use of the word calling deals more with vocation than invitation; if we think of our holy callings as holy invitations from the Lord we will have greater motivation to magnify them. com one can find numerous chiasms scattered throughout the scriptures.

Alma informs us that the first theme of the chapter will be concluded in verse five. Alma Chapter 13 contains at least twelve chiasms (these chiasms and parses of the entire chapter are found at the end of this document) listed by Nathan Crowther and S. Only through creation we were redeemed from the state of being a spirit and given mortal bodies. Priesthood, sanctification, blood, the holy order of God, foreordination, Melchizedek, the rest of the Lord, and various related themes are all poetically combined into one chapter of the Book of Mormon. Even though the chapter has repeatedly exhausted my mind, my joy has been more full through this commentary.

Approximate Word count = 2056
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)

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