Mosiah 1

Mosiah 1

Mosiah 1: 1-5

no more contention...................................................political and societal conflicts at a minimum
3 sons....................................................................Mosiah, Helorum, Helaman
teach sons records.....................................................very strong education in the historical records
must teach an ancient language to them.........................not a simple task.  Language changing
danger of dwindling...................................................complicated with changing language and remembering.

Already the Nephite-Mulekite nation has a problem reading a language several hundred years old.  Mosiah must have his sons taught in the old language..

Mosiah 1: 6-10

record of migration...............................................reasserts the arguments as first recorded
keep commandments..............................................reanchors the people in the original statements
king Benjamin waxes old..........................................King Benjamin prepares to leave the office
Mosiah proclaimed king.......................................a new king called and announced to the people
give a name........................................................a formal covenant making assembly
diligent............................................................a commitment to active work

Part of the passage of leadership from father to son requires the subjects of the land to commit themselves to keep the commandments of God and to follow the new leadership.  Benjamin sees a need for people to avoid nuances in religion and government by restudying the past and the written word.

Mosiah 1:  11-18

highly favored....................................................there is a reason for the divine assistance
if....................................................................remember the contingencies for divine help
gave charge.....................................................after formal address Benjamin resigns office
formal transfers.............................................king in possession of the Liahona and other relics
inasmuch........................................................a history of the power behind Liahona
remembrance of duty.................................................one does not simply get the power
Mosiah proclaims..................................................new king kicks off a very strong start
gather to temple......................................................a formal meeting in the temple with his people

This illustrates the formal and ritual passage of national power from one administration to the next.

King Benjamin labors to make certain that all aspects of his personal duty are met in passing the power of his kingdom to his son, Mosiah.  He particularly centers on the message from the distant past to remind his country of the need for studying and teaching the original principles of notables of the past, particularly Nephi.