“For God Shall Smite You If Ye Lay Your Hands Upon Me”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet

We are reminded of the attempt of those in Nazareth to kill the Christ and of his “passing through the midst of them” such that they could not lay a hand upon him (Luke 4:16-32). Again in the temple “they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come” (John 7:30). Of yet another occasion we read, “They sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand” (John 10:39). As with Christ, so with his faithful servants: each has the protection of heaven in the accomplishment of his or her mission. (See also commentary on verse 7.)

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

References