LESSON 17A Seer-Becometh a Great Benefit to His Fellow Beings

PurposeTo encourage us to follow the counsel of Church leaders, particularly those whom the Lord has called as prophets, seers, and revelators.picture of first presidency

Preparationa. Mosiah 78. Ammon leads an expedition to learn of the people who years earlier had left Zarahemla to return to the land of Nephi. Ammon and his brethren find Limhi and his people. Ammon teaches the people of Limhi, receives a record of the people, and learns of 24 Jaredite plates discovered by the people. He explains that Mosiah, who is a seer, can translate the engravings on the plates.b. Mosiah 910. Part of the record of Zeniff, Limhis grandfather, recounts a brief history of how Zeniffs people arrived in the land of Nephi. It also recounts how the Lord strengthened them in wars against the Lamanites.c. Mosiah 11. Zeniffs son Noah rules in wickedness. Despite the warnings of the prophet Abinadi, the people are blind to the wickedness of Noah and his priests.

Lehi-NephiSeparate from Laman400 years later leaves

NephitesMosiah is KingGroup of Nephites leaveAbout 79 years later King Mosiah II, grandson of the first King Mosiah, was desirous to know concerning the people who went to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. He permitted a man named Ammon to lead an expedition for this purpose (this Ammon was not the son of Mosiah who later preached the gospel among the Lamanites). Ammon and his brethren found King Limhi and his people. Limhi was Zeniffs grandson

2Nephi 5, the book of Omni, and Mosiah 7 and 9.1. After Lehis death, the Lord commanded the followers of Nephi to separate from the followers of Laman. The Nephites settled in a land that they called the land of Nephi (2Nephi 5:58). The land was later also known as the land of Lehi-Nephi (Mosiah 7:1).2. About 400 years later the Nephites were led by a king named Mosiah. The Lord commanded Mosiah to flee from the land of Nephi with as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord. Mosiah and his people discovered a group of people called the people of Zarahemla. The two groups of people united and called themselves Nephites. Mosiah was appointed to be their king (Omni 1:1219).3. A group of Nephites left the land of Zarahemla to regain part of the land of Nephi (Omni 1:27). They obtained land there under the leadership of a man named Zeniff, who became their king (Mosiah 9:17).4. About 79 years later King Mosiah II, the grandson of the first King Mosiah, was desirous to know concerning the people who went to dwell in the land of Lehi-Nephi. He permitted a man named Ammon to lead an expedition for this purpose (note that this Ammon was not the son of Mosiah who later preached the gospel among the Lamanites). Ammon and his brethren found King Limhi and his people. Limhi was Zeniffs grandson (Mosiah 7:111).

1. Ammon and his brethren find Limhi and his people.Why did Limhi take Ammon and his companions captive? (See Mosiah 7:811.) Why did Limhi rejoice when he learned who Ammon was? (See Mosiah 7:1215) What message did Limhi share with his people after talking with Ammon? (See Mosiah 7:1720, 2933.) What does this reveal about Limhis qualities as a leader?Limhi told Ammon that he once sent 43 people to search for their brethren in Zarahemla (Mosiah 8:7). What did this group find instead? (See Mosiah 8:811; see also Ether 1:12.) They found the remains of the Jaredite civilization who had settled there centuries before the Nephites arrived.

What did Limhi request of Ammon regarding the 24 gold plates of the Jaredites? (See Mosiah 8:1112.) Why would it be helpful for Limhis peopleand for usto know the cause of [the] destruction of the Jaredites?How did Ammon respond to Limhis request? (See Mosiah 8:1314.)He said that Mosiah, the king in Zarahemla, was a seer who could translate the records. What other titles did Ammon associate with the title of seer? (See Mosiah 8:16.) Whom do we sustain today as prophets, seers, and revelators? Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

BIBLE DICTIONARYSeerA seer is a revelator and a prophet also (Mosiah 8:1516), and when necessary he can use the Urim and Thummim or holy interpreters (Mosiah 8:13; 28:16). There have been many seers in the history of Gods people on this earth but not so many as there have been prophets. A seer is greater than a prophet and a gift which is greater can no man have (Mosiah 8:1518). Joseph Smith is the great seer of the latter days. In addition, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators.

What are the roles of a seer? (See Mosiah 8:13, 1718.) How do latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators fulfill these roles? How have latter-day prophets, seers, and revelators been a great benefit to you?

Urim and ThummimHebrew term that means Lights and Perfections. An instrument prepared of God to assist man in obtaining revelation from the Lord and in translating languages. See Ex. 28:30; Lev. 8:8; Num. 27:21; Deut. 33:8; 1Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65; JSH 1:35.Using a Urim and Thummim is the special prerogative of a seer, and it would seem reasonable that such instruments were used from the time of Adam. However, the earliest mention is in connection with the brother of Jared (Ether 3:2128). Abraham used a Urim and Thummim (Abr. 3:14), as did Aaron and the priests of Israel, and also the prophets among the Nephites (Omni 1:2021; Mosiah 8:1319; 21:2628; 28:1120; Ether 4:17). There is more than one Urim and Thummim, but we are informed that Joseph Smith had the one used by the brother of Jared (Ether 3:2228; D&C 10:1; 17:1). (See Seer.) A partial description is given in JSH 1:35. Joseph Smith used it in translating the Book of Mormon and in obtaining other revelations.This earth in its celestial condition will be a Urim and Thummim, and many within that kingdom will have an additional Urim and Thummim (D&C 130:611).

BoydK. PackerThe scriptures speak of prophets as watch[men] upon the tower who see the enemy while he [is] yet afar off and who have beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye [for] a seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people.[Many years ago] the Brethren warned us of the disintegration of the family and told us to prepare. The weekly family home evening was introduced by the First Presidency. Parents are provided with excellent materials for teaching their children, with a promise that the faithful will be blessed.While the doctrines and revealed organization remain unchanged, all agencies of the Church have been reshaped in their relationship to one another and to the home.

BoydK. Packer The entire curriculum of the Church was overhauledbased on scriptures. And years were spent preparing new editions of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.We can only imagine where we would be if we were just now reacting to [the] terrible redefinition of the family. But that is not the case. We are not casting frantically about, trying to decide what to do. We know what to do and what to teach.The course we follow is not of our own making. The plan of salvation, the great plan of happiness, was revealed to us, and the prophets and Apostles continue to receive revelation as the Church and its members stand in need of more (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 2425; or Ensign, May 1994, 20).

Chapters 922 of the book of Mosiah contain a history of the people who left Zarahemla to return to the land of Nephi. The history begins with the account of Zeniff, Limhis grandfather.Why was the Lamanites attitude toward the Nephites so bad that they wanted to make them slaves? (See Mosiah 10:1117. )They were wroth because they felt that Laman and Lemuel, their ancestors, had been wronged by their brethren. Because of this, they taught their children to hate the Nephites. How do the traditions of the past sometimes stir people up to hatred? Why are such traditions perpetuated?

What can we learn from Zeniff about overcoming feelings of hatred? (See Mosiah 9:1. ) Zeniff was sent as a spy to determine how to destroy the Lamanites. However, when he saw that which was good among the Lamanites, he no longer wanted to destroy them.What can we do to honestly see the good in others?What mistake did Zeniff make in his efforts to inherit the land of [his] fathers? (See Mosiah 7:2122; 9:3.) What were the results of Zeniffs over-zealousness? (See Mosiah 9:312; 10:18.) What are some dangers of being overzealous, even in a good cause? How can we be zealous in the Lords work without being overzealous?

In their determination to obtain a part of the land of Nephi, Zeniff and his people were slow to remember the Lord [their] God (Mosiah 9:3). What finally led them to turn to the Lord? (See Mosiah 9:1317.) How were they blessed when they remembered the Lord and prayed for deliverance? (See Mosiah 9:18; 10:1921.) As members of the Church, we have made a covenant to always remember the Lord (D&C 20:77, 79). What are some things we can do that can help us keep this covenant?

3. Abinadi warns the people, but they are blind to Noahs wickedness.Read and discuss selected verses from Mosiah 11.Who became king after Zeniff? (See Mosiah 11:1.) What kind of a ruler was Noah? (See Mosiah 11:119. You may want to list on the chalkboard some of the ways Noah [walked] after the desires of his own heart and changed the affairs of the kingdom.)How did Noah influence the lives of his people? (See Mosiah 11:2, 57.) How did the people and Noah share the responsibility for their sinfulness?The Lord sent the prophet Abinadi to call Noah and his people to repentance (Mosiah 11:20). What warnings did the Lord give through Abinadi? (See Mosiah 11:2025. You may want to discuss how Abinadi fulfilled the role of a seer, as discussed earlier in the lesson.)How did Noah and his people respond to Abinadis warnings? (See Mosiah 11:2628; see also Mosiah 12:1315.) Why were the people angry with Abinadi and not with Noah, who had taxed them and caused them to support him in his iniquity? (See Mosiah 11:7, 29.)Why do some people today reject servants of the Lord, like Abinadi, in favor of people like Noah? Why is it important to recognize and follow prophets of God? (See Mosiah 8:1618; D&C 1:38; 84:3638.)

Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know how the decisions youre making right now will continually affect others.Take a look at Abinadi (see Mosiah 1117). When Abinadi testified to King Noah and his priests, almost no one listened. The people ignored him, the priests mocked him, and the king commanded that he be put to death! Only one young man believed Abinadi. Just one person! At first, that might not seem like much, but in the end, Abinadis bravery and determination to do what was right blessed the lives of thousands of people.Alma the Elder (Mosiah 18; Mosiah 25:1519)The first person Abinadi impacted was Alma the Elder. He taught and baptized 450 people! Alma the Younger (Mosiah 29:4247)Helaman, Son of AlmaHe reestablished the Church after years of war (see Alma 45:22; Alma 62:46). He led the 2,000 stripling warriors. (Yeah, those stripling warriors.) His son was also named Helaman.Helaman, Son of Helaman Nephi and Lehi, Sons of Helaman Nephi, Son of Nephi Nephi became a great prophet. He taught and baptized many in the wicked days before Christs coming, even raising his brother from the dead (see 3 Nephi 7:1526). He was chosen as one of Christs 12 disciples when the Savior appeared (see 3 Nephi 12:1). The disciples helped convert all the Nephites and Lamanites after Christs coming (see 4 Nephi 1:2).You never know how many people will be influenced by what you choose to do.

Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know how the decisions youre making right now will continually affect others.The first person Abinadi impacted was Alma the Elder. He taught and baptized 450 people! Alma the Younger (Mosiah 29:4247)Helaman, Son of AlmaHe reestablished the Church after years of war (see Alma 45:22; Alma 62:46). He led the 2,000 stripling warriors. (Yeah, those stripling warriors.) His son was also named Helaman.Helaman, Son of Helaman Nephi and Lehi, Sons of Helaman Nephi, Son of Nephi You never know how many people will be influenced by what you choose to do.

ConclusionLets all follow the counsel of righteous leaders, particularly those whom the Lord has called as prophets, seers, and revelators.

Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know how the decisions youre making right now will continually affect others.Take a look at Abinadi (see Mosiah 1117). When Abinadi testified to King Noah and his priests, almost no one listened. The people ignored him, the priests mocked him, and the king commanded that he be put to death! Only one young man believed Abinadi. Just one person! At first, that might not seem like much, but in the end, Abinadis bravery and determination to do what was right blessed the lives of thousands of people.Alma the Elder (Mosiah 18; Mosiah 25:1519)The first person Abinadi impacted was Alma the Elder, then one of King Noahs judges. As he listened to Abinadi, he was inspired to repent, change his life, and share Abinadis message of the gospel. He taught and baptized 450 people! They then joined the Nephites at Zarahemla, where Alma became the high priest of the Church and helped bring even more people to Christ (see Mosiah 25:18). One of these was his son, Alma the Younger.Alma the Younger (Mosiah 29:4247)Alma the Younger became chief judge of the Nephites and high priest of the Church. He served many missions and helped thousands of people come unto Christ. His sons followed his example and also served missions. His oldest son was Helaman.Helaman, Son of AlmaHelaman kept the records and was one of the high priests of the Church (see Alma 46:6). In about 73 B.C. and again about 54 B.C., he reestablished the Church after years of war (see Alma 45:22; Alma 62:46). He led the 2,000 stripling warriors. (Yeah, those stripling warriors.) His son was also named Helaman.Helaman, Son of Helaman Helaman kept the records of the people as well. He became chief judge of the Nephites. During his righteous rule, tens of thousands joined the Church (Helaman 3:26). He had two righteous sons, Nephi and Lehi.Nephi and Lehi, Sons of Helaman Nephi was chief judge before leaving to preach the gospel with Lehi. These brothers were such powerful missionaries that most of the Lamanites were converted to the gospel (see Helaman 5:50). Nephi turned the records over to his son, Nephi.Nephi, Son of Nephi Nephi became a great prophet. He taught and baptized many in the wicked days before Christs coming, even raising his brother from the dead (see 3 Nephi 7:1526). He was chosen as one of Christs 12 disciples when the Savior appeared (see 3 Nephi 12:1). The disciples helped convert all the Nephites and Lamanites after Christs coming (see 4 Nephi 1:2).You never know how many people will be influenced by what you choose to do.