Helaman 10: Nephi Is Granted Great Power

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 151

We might think that the people would want to follow Nephi after his prophecies about the chief judge were fulfilled. The contention at the end of Helaman 9, however, is evidence that miracles do not convert people. Look in Helaman 10 for the qualities that enable a person to be steadfast. Also note the special power the Lord gave Nephi and why he was trusted with such a blessing. How did that power from God affect the people? How should it have affected them?
Nephi

Nephi

Understanding the Scriptures

Helaman 10

Hither and thither (v. 1)Here and there
Cast down (v. 3)Sad, disappointed, discouraged
Sought thine own life (v. 4)Cared only for yourself
Pestilence (v. 6)Disease, sickness of crops or people
Seal (v. 7)Bind or make sure by specific priesthood authority
Smite (v. 10)Strike, punish
Notwithstanding (v. 13)In spite of
Conveyed (v. 16)Carried

Helaman 10:4–10—Nephi Received Specific Power from God

Helaman 10:7 teaches that the Lord promised Nephi that whatever he bound or loosed on earth would be bound or loosed in heaven. This is the same power the Savior gave to Peter, James, and John (see Matthew 16:19) and the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 128:8–10; 132:46). These same powers, or keys, are held by the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We learn from the account in Helaman 10 that this power is only given to those whom the Lord can trust.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Helaman 10.

Activity A iconWhy Did Nephi Receive Such Great Power?

  1. 1.

    List the promises the Lord made to Nephi in Helaman 10:4–10.

  2. 2.

    According to those verses, why was the Lord willing to grant him such great power?

  3. 3.

    Read also Doctrine and Covenants 50:29 and explain what this verse teaches about why Nephi was so blessed. Also explain what this verse means to you.

Activity B iconWhat Would You Say?

Imagine you were a Nephite living at the time of Helaman 10 and you were a witness of what is recorded there. If you were writing to a friend in a distant town about the prophet Nephi, what three characteristics would you mention in your letter? Explain what impression each of those characteristics has made on you concerning Nephi.

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