There were now many different groups of people living in Zarahemla but they were still separated by lineage, i.e., the descendants of Mulek living in different parts of the city from the descendants of Nephi. So the king called a general gathering of the people.
He pointed out to them that their continued separation as to lineage could be harming their chances to protect themselves. There were more descendants of Mulek (technically, Jews) in Zarahemla than their were Nephites (technically Josephites.) But there were more Lamanites than both groups put together! Unless they truly joined as one people, they would continue to be vulnerable.
He had the records of the people of Zeniff read to the vast throng, partly to bring them up to date as the identity of the newcomers (those who came with Limhi and those who came with Alma) and partly so they would know how bad things could get if the Lamanites conquered them. And he also read the account of Alma and his brethren, and all their afflictions, from the time they left the land of Zarahemla until the time they returned again. And now, when Mosiah had made an end of reading the records, his people who tarried in the land were struck with wonder and amazement. (Mosiah 25:6-7)
The people didn't know what to think. They were, of course, sorrowed by the abuses these brethren had faced at the hands of the Lamanites. They could see the wisdom in being a more united people. They were also filled with joy when they understood the blessing of God in delivering the people of Limhi and Alma safely to Zarahemla. They even felt sorrow for how far their distant brethren, the Lamanites, had fallen.
It was interesting for me to note one other group of people who had come to Zarahemla for sanctuary: the adult children of Amulon and the children of the priests of Noah! Somehow in all the times I have read the Book of Mormon, I have missed that one extremely telling little verse. It reads:
And it came to pass that those who were the children of Amulon and his brethren, who had taken to wife the daughters of the Lamanites, were displeased with the conduct of their fathers, and they would no longer be called by the names of their fathers, therefore they took upon themselves the name of Nephi, that they might be called the children of Nephi and be numbered among those who were called Nephites. (Mosiah 25: 12)
This is such an awesome example of "what goes around comes around" that I am amazed that I have missed it all these years! The Lord does know the end from the beginning, lest we doubt!
And now all the people of Zarahemla were numbered with the Nephites. (Mosiah 25: 13)
Text copyright August 2013, Gebara Education
Pictures:
Zarahemla from www.bigboardgames.com
King Mosiah from www.bookofmormonbattles.com
These sites have wonderful Book of Mormon games and activities. I invite you to visit them!
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