An Archaeological Perspective on the Book of Mormon ~ Gideon

A River in the Comitan Valley, MX

After his repentance, Alma, the Younger, began his missionary work in Zarahemla itself.  He preached among those he had formerly led astray.  Some listened and repented.  Many did not and Alma found himself shunned as he once shunned other believers.

Leaving the city, he went out into other parts of the land.  His first stop was the City of Gideon.

Gideon was located east of Zarahemla in the mountains.  It is the only eastern city given any mention in the Book of Mormon for this time period.  This is not strange and corresponds to the archaeological records.  According to Sorensen, an archaeological survey of these highlands revealed that these areas were first settled, but only in a few spots, in the first century B.C., Alma's time. (p. 198)



Petroglyphs near Teopisca-Amatenango, MX

Scholars, including Sorensen, place Gideon in the Comitan Valley of Mexico.  A second possible spot, but less likely, is Teopisca-Amatenango.  Both are located in the eastern mountains of the State of Chiapas, Mexico.

Alma the Younger's* visit to Gideon, as reported in the seventh Chapter of the book bearing his name, indicates that the people of Gideon are still a righteous people for the most part.  He tells them that they are not in the sad state of apostasy that afflicts many in Zarahemla proper.  Perhaps it is because they are somewhat isolated that they have escaped the downward slide into the worst side of the Pride Cycle.

Like the Apostle John in the first few chapters of the Book of Revelation, Alma gives them a compliment and then a warning.  It is a prophetic pattern seen in the writings of other prophets of the Book of Mormon and the Old and New Testaments.  We all have strengths, but we all need to preserve them in righteousness and avoid the Tempter's snare.

* Henceforth known simply as Alma.

Text copyright August 2013, Gebara Education

 

Pictures:

River from www.tripadvisor.com/mx

Map from www.nona.net

Pictographs from www.archaeologia-chiapas.blogspot.com