Helaman 12: "And Thus We See"

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 152–153

In Helaman 12 Mormon interrupted his account of the Nephites to speak directly to us. In the previous chapters he recorded how the Nephites went from wickedness to righteousness and then back to wickedness again—over and over. What seemed especially frustrating to Mormon was that the Nephites were only righteous when they were in urgent need of God’s help. They did not seem to do well when the Lord blessed and prospered them. Read this chapter carefully since it was written for our day and time. Hopefully we can learn from Mormon’s counsel and avoid the problems the Nephites experienced.

Understanding the Scriptures

Helaman 12

In fine (v. 2)To be specific
Counsels (v. 5)Advice, teachings
Set at naught (v. 6)Consider to be worthless, meaningless
Accursed (vv. 18–20)Condemned, cursed

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Helaman 12.

Activity A iconSee the Principles

  1. 1.

    In each of the first three verses of Helaman 12, Mormon wrote about what we should “see” from the example of the Nephites. You may want to highlight the phrases “we can behold,” “we can see,” “we may see,” and “thus we see” in verses 1–3. Then list in your own words in your notebook the principles Mormon wanted to be sure we understood.

  2. 2.

    Add to your list the principles about God and man that Mormon identified in verses 4–6.

  3. 3.

    Give an example showing one of these principles you have seen at work today.

Activity B iconChoose and Use the Important Words

Helaman 12:8–20 describes the power of the Lord. For each verse in this passage, choose a word or phrase you think is important in what Mormon was teaching us. After you list the key words, use all of them in writing a summary of Mormon’s message in these verses.

Activity C iconThe Conclusion

Helaman 12:23–26 contains Mormon’s counsel for what the Lord desires of us. Imagine you have a friend who is having problems similar to those the Nephites were experiencing. Assume that you have already explained the principles Mormon taught in Helaman 12:1–22 and, in your own words, write the same counsel to your friend.