308 Abinadi before King Noah

Mosiah 1117
Now it came to pass after Abinadi had spoken these words that the people of king Noah durst not lay their hands on him, for the Spirit of the Lord was upon him. Mosiah 13:5

King Noah was evil and led his people into wickedness (see Mosiah 11:14). The Lord sent a prophet named Abinadi to tell King Noah and his people to repent. Abinadi warned that if they did not repent, their enemies would conquer them. King Noah and his people were angry with Abinadi and wanted to kill him, but the Lord protected him. (See Mosiah 11:2029.)

Two years later Abinadi returned to Noah's people. He said because they had not repented, their enemies would conquer them. If they did not repent after that, they would be destroyed. The people were angry and took Abinadi to King Noah, who threw Abinadi into prison. Then the king and his wicked priests questioned him. Abinadi answered all their questions and told King Noah and his priests they were teaching false things and needed to repent. (See Mosiah 12:12, Mosiah 12:9, Mosiah 12:1719, Mosiah 12:2637.)

King Noah was angry and ordered that Abinadi be put to death. But Abinadi said, "God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, for I have not delivered the message which the Lord sent me to deliver" (Mosiah 13:3; see also Mosiah 13:12).

The Lord's Spirit rested on Abinadi so strongly his face shone with light. He spoke "with power and authority from God" as he declared the rest of his message. (See Mosiah 13:56.) He read the Ten Commandments to King Noah and his priests. He also taught them about Jesus and the Atonement. Again he called on them to repent. (See Mosiah 13:535; see also Mosiah 1416.)

After Abinadi finished speaking, King Noah ordered his guards to put him in prison (see Mosiah 17:1, Mosiah 17:5). Three days later King Noah brought Abinadi before him. King Noah told Abinadi he would kill him unless he took back what he had said against him and his people. Abinadi said he would never deny the truth. King Noah feared that what Abinadi had said would come true. The king was about to release him, but the priests made King Noah angry again against Abinadi. (See Mosiah 17:612.)

The guards tied Abinadi up and beat him. Then they burned him with fire. As Abinadi died, he again warned the people to repent and believe in God. He said King Noah would also suffer death by fire. Abinadi gave his life as a witness of the truth. (See Mosiah 17:1320.)

Summary

The Lord sent the prophet Abinadi to tell wicked King Noah and his people to repent. The people were angry at Abinadi and brought him before the king. When Abinadi was questioned by the king's priests, he spoke boldly against their wickedness. This angered King Noah, who ordered Abinadi killed. But no one dared touch Abinadi, for the Lord's Spirit was upon him. He spoke with power and authority. He taught the Ten Commandments, testified of Jesus Christ, and again called for repentance. After Abinadi finished delivering the message God wanted him to teach, King Noah had Abinadi killed.

Artist, Arnold Friberg

© 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA