King Benjamin mentions a topic in passing that will be the subject of a larger treatment later in the book of Alma. He mentions justice and mercy. Dr. Avram Shannon of Brigham Young University has explained the Hebrew underpinnings of these two concepts in Hebrew thought. Both are part of what Jehovah is, and that is represented in and through his covenant with his people. Justice is bound into the covenant, and in administering the conditions of the covenant, Jehovah is just in his keeping of the covenant, and in administering the penalties associated with its violation. His mercy is also bound to the covenant. When he applies the blessings promised, that becomes his mercy. Since his mercy is integrally bound to the obedience to the covenant, we can better understand what Benjamin has said.
Benjamin ends by stating that “mercy hath no claim on that man; therefore his final doom is to endure a never-ending torment.” That does not feel very merciful. Indeed, Jehovah’s mercy has no claim. Why? The person in question “repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God.” This person has rejected the covenant and removed him or herself from the covenant. Thus, justice places the person outside of the promises, and mercy cannot provide the blessings to one who has actively rejected the foundation upon which mercy could be provided.
Mercy is not the opposite of justice, but rather an integral part of justice. Justice is defined according to the covenant, and within the covenant are abundant blessings that witness the mercy of Jehovah towards his people. Even mercy, however, comes through the covenant and is aligned with the requirements of the covenant. Repentance certainly works. It is the unrepentant rejection of the covenant that creates the conditions whereby mercy has no claim.