“A Great Hold Upon the Hearts of the Nephites”

Brant Gardner

Redaction: Here Mormon explains that Satan has seized the Nephite hearts, making them receptive to the Gadianton covenant: political murder for gain and the desire for wealth. In a Mesoamerican economy, this linkage makes perfect sense. (See commentary accompanying Helaman 6:17.)

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 5

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