Helaman 13:8-11

Brant Gardner

The four-hundred year prophesy is reiterated. It will come unless the people repent. As it happens, they will repent for a time. There will be a time after Christ appears when there is no contention, and all believe. However, that will fade. The prophecy will be fulfilled.

The symbolic impact of the four-hundred year period is perhaps emphasized in that it is repeated both in verses 9 and 10. One of the important aspects of the Maya conception of prophecy and time is that it was circular. Things that happened might happen again. Things at the beginning of the four-hundred year cycle will repeat at the end. Dr. Mark Wright suggests that, in this case, it is the statement of what comes at the end that is being used to mark what will happen soon.

Samuel turns to the beginning of the cycle in the next verse.

Book of Mormon Minute

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