In Mormon 3 we learn much about God’s mercy and Mormon’s greatness when we consider that the Lord gave the wicked Nephites another opportunity to repent. The Lord also helped them in their battles against the Lamanites. To the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel, the Lord said, “Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? … and not that he should return from his ways, and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23). Regardless of how much the Lord desires all people to repent, He will not force us, and the law of justice must be satisfied. As you read Mormon 3, carefully note what actions and attitudes separated the Nephites from the Lord. Unfortunately, many people today make those same mistakes. It seems that Mormon wanted us to learn from this sad tale of the Nephites’ self-destruction, since he wrote specifically to our day in the last part of this chapter.
Understanding the Scriptures
Mormon 3
| In vain (v. 3) | Of no use |
| Epistle (v. 4) | Letter |
| Utterly (v. 11) | Completely |
| Thrice (v. 13) | Three times |
| Vengeance (v. 15) | Fierce justice, punishment |
| Idle (v. 16) | Not participating |
| Manifest (vv. 16, 20) | Make known |
| Commence (v. 17) | Begin |
Studying the Scriptures
Do activity A as you study Mormon 3.
A Voice from the Dust
As you read the last pages of the Book of Mormon, there are places where it will seem that Mormon and Moroni knew our day as well as they knew their own. Speaking directly to us in Mormon 3:17, Mormon said, “Therefore …” or in other words, “Because of the things you now know, I will tell you this …”
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1.
List the truths Mormon testified of in Mormon 3:17–22.
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2.
Write how understanding these truths will help you prevent repeating the tragic mistakes of the Nephites.
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