Understanding the Scriptures
Alma 51
| High birth (v. 8) | Nobility, wealth, power |
| Wroth (vv. 13–14) | Angry |
| Petition (v. 15) | Formal written request |
| Appellation (v. 21) | Name, title |
| Professed the blood of (v. 21) | Claimed to be persons of high rank through their birth |
| Cunning (v. 27) | Clever plans, craftiness |
| Repulsed (v. 31) | Pushed back |
| Harass (v. 32) | Continually attack and annoy |
| Javelin (v. 34) | Spear |
Alma 51:5–6—Who Were the Freemen and the King-Men?
Two types of government are described in Alma 51. One was based on the idea that the majority of the people (freemen) would choose “that which is right” (Mosiah 29:26). The other was a group of people (king-men) who desired “power and authority over the people” (Alma 51:8) for themselves.
Studying the Scriptures
Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Alma 51.
Write a Description
What kind of messages might the king-men and the freemen have given to persuade the people to support their side? After reading Alma 51:1–8, write a brief description of each of their political views.
Find the Answer
As you study Alma 51:13–21, write the answers to the following questions:
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1.
What was the response of the king-men to the Lamanite attack?
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2.
How did the government respond to the king-men’s actions?
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3.
How did Moroni end the king-men rebellion?
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4.
Why do you think it was necessary for Moroni to take the action he did?
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5.
Why do you suppose Mormon included all of those details about threats to freedom in his abridgment of the Nephite records? (see Mormon 8:34–35).
Tell a Story
Review Alma 51:29–37 and, in your own words, write a story of Teancum and Amalickiah that you could tell to Primary children.
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