Lesson 21

“Alma … Did Judge Righteous Judgments”

“Lesson 21: ‘Alma … Did Judge Righteous Judgments’” Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide (1999), 13–14


When all of King Mosiah’s sons refused to succeed him as king, Mosiah sent a written proclamation among the people, recommending a system of judges to replace the rule of kings after his death. As you study Mosiah 29, consider what King Mosiah’s words teach about the kind of leaders who will help “make for the peace of the people” (Mosiah 29:10).

  • In the first year of the reign of the judges, a man named Nehor was brought before Alma to be judged (Alma 1:1–2, 15). What had Nehor been teaching the people? (See Alma 1:3–4.) What was the effect of his teaching? (See Alma 1:5–6.) Why do you think Nehor’s teachings were appealing to so many people? Which of these same teachings have you heard in our day?

  • What did Alma do in response to the increasing pride and iniquity of the people? (See Alma 4:15–19.) How can preaching the word of God “stir [people] up in remembrance of their duty”? How can preaching the word of God “pull down” pride, craftiness, and contention?

Suggestion for Family Discussion

Read Alma 4:15–20 as a family. Then ask the following questions:

  • Why do you think there was no way for Alma to help the people other than by “bearing down in pure testimony against them”? What problems in the world today could be solved by preaching and living the gospel?

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