“They Had Become Weak”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
Because of their wickedness, the Spirit of the Lord was withdrawn, the Lord no longer protected them, and they were left in a weakened condition. This is as much a physical reality as it is spiritual. Just as righteousness and faithfulness to covenants brings a “renewing” of the body (see D&C 84:33), so wickedness can have a very real effect on the physical body that can sap strength and produce sicknesses and intense suffering (see Alma 15:3, 5; 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; see also Elder Boyd K. Packer’s discussion of this concept in CR, October 1977, pp. 89-90).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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