Any resemblance of these verses to modern-day politicians is probably not coincidental. Mormon wrote “the things which have been commanded me” (see 3 Nephi 26:12), as a witness and a warning to this generation (see Mormon 3:16–22). Commandments of God (Helaman 7:4) are being laid aside today when laws are interpreted to make a display of the ten commandments illegal. The guilty and the wicked are set free through the work of high-priced lawyers (v. 5). Immorality (v. 5) has been made common by men in the highest offices of government. We do need the message of the book of Helaman in our day.
Nephi’s wish for having lived in another day shows his human element, a common wish among many. However, he also teaches us the first characteristic of a prophet. Each prophet has a foreordained calling. Jeremiah was told by the Lord: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5.) Jeremiah is undoubtedly typical of all Old Testament Prophets. Peter’s name was changed to Cephas by Jesus the first time they met. “Cephas, which is, by interpretation, a seer, or a stone” (JST, John 1:42). Peter went on to become the prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church in the Meridian of Time.
12 And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them;
13 Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fulness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth;” [D&C 27:12–13; see also D&C 7:7]
Joseph Smith was told by the angel Moroni:
He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. [Joseph Smith–History 1:33]
It is obvious that each of the Prophet Joseph Smith’s successors were likewise foreordained.
Nephi’s praying upon a tower in his garden was probably not by chance. Had the Lord led him there in order to have him warn the people of Zarahemla? While that is only the likely possibility, it did attract a multitude, and he was able to testify and prophesy to many people (Helaman 7:10–11).