Understanding the Scriptures
Mormon 2
| Stature (v. 1) | Height |
| Carnage (v. 8) | Injured and dead bodies, slaughter |
| Complete revolution (v. 8) | Continual pattern, coverage |
| Mourning and a lamentation (vv. 11–12) | Much sadness, crying, deep sorrow |
| Vain (v. 13) | Without purpose |
| Broken hearts (v. 14) | Humility, godly sorrow |
| Contrite spirits (v. 14) | An inner desire to repent and do God’s will |
| Hewn down (v. 15) | Killed in battle |
| Abominations (vv. 18, 27) | Serious sins; thoughts and acts that are offensive to God |
| Vigor (v. 24) | Great effort, strength |
| Calamity (v. 27) | Tragedy, disaster |
Mormon 2:11–14—“Sorrowing of the Damned” or “Sorrowing … unto Repentance”
President Spencer W. Kimball taught that “very frequently people think they have repented and are worthy of forgiveness when all they have done is to express sorrow or regret at the unfortunate happening” (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 87). Mormon’s description in Mormon 2:11–14 helps us understand that only sorrow “unto repentance” leads to the kind of changes that make us clean and replace sorrow with happiness. This deeper “godly sorrow” (see 2 Corinthians 7:10) is a realization that our wicked actions are, in reality, rebellion against God (see Mormon 2:15) and that we have contributed to the suffering of others—including the Savior (see Mosiah 14:5; D&C 19:16–19). “Sorrowing … unto repentance” means that we desire to change.
Mormon 2:15—“The Day of Grace Had Passed”
President Joseph Fielding Smith, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained that “it is possible for people to get so far in the dark through rebellion and wickedness that the spirit of repentance leaves them. … and they get beyond the power of repentance” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:194; see also Helaman 13:38).
We can learn much about Mormon’s character by how he continued to help his people after he realized that this “day of grace had passed.”
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study Mormon 2.
Reasons for Sorrow
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1.
According to Mormon 2:10–15, why were the Nephites sorrowing? After each reason you list, note the verse or verses in which you found it.
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2.
According to Mormon 2:10–15, 18–19, 25–27, why did Mormon sorrow? After each reason you list, note the verse or verses in which you found it.
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3.
What was the difference between the sorrow of the Nephites and the sorrow of Mormon?
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4.
Explain how each of the following scripture passages relate to the Nephites’ sorrow, to Mormon’s sorrow, or to both: Alma 41:10; 42:29; Moroni 10:22; Moses 7:28–40.
