Mormon 6

(Below is a list of questions that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

All mankind are subject to the laws of justice and mercy regardless of whether they are righteous or otherwise.

1. Imagine recording the destruction of the people. What kinds of feelings would you be experiencing as you make such a record? How do you think heavenly father feels when his children choose to suffer rather than to repent?

2-3. Have you ever had an enemy give you the things you wanted? What did Mormon want from the Lamanite king?

4. Why did the Nephites gather in the land of Cumorah? What advantages might that location give them in battle?

5. How many people gathered in the land of Cumorah? Why do you think the Lamanite king agreed to Mormons request?

6. Why did Mormon take special precautions against the sacred records falling into the hands of his Lamanite enemies? How important do the wicked consider the words of the Lord to be? Do they consider the words of the prophets to be from God? What did Mormon do to prepare for what he knew would happen between his people and the Lamanites?

"The Nephites finally decided to call a halt by requesting for the last time the ancient courtesy of stipulating the time and place for a final showdown on a fair field. This was granted them " -Hugh Nibley

7. If you were facing your final battle, would you take your wives and children along? Why do you think the women and children were gathered with their husbands for the final Nephite battle?

8. How would you feel if you were with that Nephite men, women, and children? Why were they filled with that awful fear of death? Why do you think Mormon didn't seem to be afraid of dying?

"In the last seen the knee fights are allowed the melancholy and terrifying privilege of enjoying one last tremendous spectacle-the full dress approach of their executioners. " -Hugh Nibley 7:333

"When the forces of the Nephites, plus their women and children, saw the Lamanites approaching, they were filled with terror, a sort of intense or violent dread, that filled their hearts. The wicked fear and tremble when brought face to face with death. The awful fear of which Mormon rights, is the opposite of the fear of God, which means that reverence for him that leads to obedience because of one's realization of his power, as well as of his love toward man. The Psalmist road of evil men and their works; his words may apply not only to the Lamanites, but also to the Nephites: '...They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one…' (Psalm 14:1-5). A better description of both peoples cannot be had them this. "-Reynolds and Sjodahl, Commentary on the Book of Mormon, 7:279-80

9-15. What was the death toll of this great battle? How do you think Mormon might be feeling as he looks out over the vast number of dead who were his people?

16. Imagine what it must feel like to be rent with anguish. Mormon new what would have saved his people. How do the wicked choices of others influence or affect those who cling to the gospel of Jesus Christ?

"The sins of the world overtook them, and for about 170 years, both factions were wicked very wicked indeed, until the great battle on Cumorah when the Nephites were literally destroyed. The prophet Mormon recounted 230,000 people lying in their blood in death, and this because of their wickedness. Their enemies had been permitted to come upon them.… The penalty for their wickedness was that they were to be scattered and driven, cursed and scourged. " -Spencer W Kimball, GC, April 1947 

17. How did Mormon refer to his slain people?

18-20. How is it that Mormon is able to mourn for the loss of such a wicked people? How does the Lord feel about the wicked?

21. By whom will these Nephites the judge? What can you do to avoid departing from the ways of the Lord and rejecting the Savior who stands with open arms to receive you?

22. What regrets might these people have at the day of judgment as they look back over their lives and their works? How do you think their understanding of judgment and mercy were when they lived? How will they understand these principles when they approach the judgment bar? What can you do to have a better and more complete understanding of the laws of justice and mercy as pertaining to the Lord?