Mosiah 3:1-27
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
The Book of Mormon > Mosiah > Chapter 3
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Questions
- Why would an angel choose to appear to someone who was asleep, rather than awake (verse 2)? What other instances do we have of such appearances?
- What does the phrase "from all eternity to all eternity" mean (verse 5)? Is that the same as saying "forever," or might it have an alternate meaning?
- Why would the angel begin his account of Christ's earthly ministry by emphasizing the miracles he would perform (verse 5)? As members of His Church, do we spend enough time discussing the miracles that transpire in our own work and ministry?
Lexical notes
- The phrase "eternity to all eternity" occurs 3 times in the Book of Mormon (here in Mosiah 3:5, and in Alma 13:7, and Moro 8:18). It also occurs once in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 39:1). It also occurs in Moses 6:67, Moses 7:29, and Moses 7:31. Curiously, the phrase "all eternity" is used five times in D&C 132 (D&C 132:7, D&C 132:17, D&C 132:18, D&C 132:19, and D&C 132:49, where it seems to refer to an eternal exalted state obtained through obedience to the New and Everlasting Covenent of Marriage. In addition, the phrase "all eternity" is also used in Moses 7:41, where it seems to somewhat cryptically refer to a physical or spiritual plane beyond this earth.
Exegesis
- The phrase "all eternity" seems to refer to the future exalted state of individuals who are sealed according to the New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage (see references above to D&C 132).
- If taken literally, the phrase "all eternity to all eternity" may refer to multiple eternities. As the phrase is generally used in Latter-day scriptures to refer to the Jesus Christ, it may indicate that Jesus Christ obtained exaltation in a previous eternity, and will retain his exalted status in this eternity, hence from "all eternity" (the past eternity) to "all eternity" (either the present or perhaps a future eternity).
- If not taken literally, the phrase "all eternity to all eternity" might just mean something like "forever"--which would underscore the timeless and everlasting nature of Christ, without implying multiple eternities or anything specific about Christ's pre-mortal experiences.
Verse 5
In saying that the Lord "shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men," King Benjamin unwittingly commits the same "crime" that Abinadi commits nearly 25 years earlier in the courts of King Noah (Mosiah 17:8). But, because of his righteousness and willingness to accept and teach the truth as he received it, the people were able to freely hear and accept this profound doctrine directly from their beloved king.
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