Like all prophets, Samuel the Lamanite warns the people concerning the perils of procrastinating the day of repentance. They have sought for that which can never be, for they have sought happiness in iniquity (see Helaman 13:38). Samuel prophesies of Christ and His coming. Some believe his words and are baptized, while many are angry and seek his life. Their hearts are hardened and they will not believe, for Satan has a great hold upon their hearts. Nevertheless, Samuel boldly proclaims the truth, and when the message given him by an angel of God is fully delivered, he returns to his own Lamanite people to continue his ministry, never to be heard of again among the Nephites. However, his valiant prophecies still echo around the world in these latter days to remind us of the continual need for repentance unto a remission of sins through the merits and grace of Jesus Christ. Let us therefore not procrastinate our repentance. We never know when we will be called to the other side, but we do know for certain that we cannot find happiness in wickedness.
We conclude this chapter with the words of President Spencer W. Kimball concerning the courage and devotion of Samuel the Lamanite:
Has the world ever seen a more classic example of indomitable will, of faith and courage than that displayed by Samuel the Prophet: “One of the Lamanites who did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God …” Visualize, if you can, this despised Lamanite standing on the walls of Zarahemla and while arrows and stones were shot at him, crying out to his white accusers that the sword of justice hung over them. So righteous was he that God sent an angel to visit him. His predictions were fulfilled in due time relating to the early coming of Christ, his ministry, death and resurrection, and the eventual destruction of these Nephite people. So great faith had he that the multitudes could not harm him until his message was delivered and so important was his message that subsequently the Savior required a revision of the records to include his prophecies concerning the resurrection of the Saints. (CR, April 1949, 109)