“Mormon Fears the Lamanites Will Destroy Them”

Monte S. Nyman

Satan’s tactic of stirring the Nephites up to anger when repentance was preached to them (v. 3) was also identified by Nephi, son of Lehi (see 2 Nephi 28:19–20). When Mormon spoke with sharpness, he was probably moved upon by the Holy Ghost (see D&C 121:43), and this was the cause of their trembling (see D&C 85:6). Nevertheless, Satan was there to stir them up to anger, thus Mormon feared that they had lost the Spirit of the Lord (Moroni 9:4). Other evidences are also cited by Mormon to support this conclusion (v. 5).

Mormon encouraged his son Moroni to act by laboringly diligently, and not to re-act by reciprocating (v. 6; see also 2 Nephi 2:13–16). How we act or re-act will bring our souls to rest in the kingdom of God, or bring about our condemnation (Moroni 9:6). We each have a mission in life, and the admonition given by Mormon is applicable to all.

Book of Mormon Commentary: I Mormon Make a Record

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