BOM Mosiah 13

Before I go any further, I want to call your attention to a nice little article that sheds light on the meaning of the name Mosiah:

http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1110&index=28

But now, on to a quick and very brief comment about Mosiah 13, today’s reading:

As was shown in the first verse of the previous chapter, Abinadi’s concern isn’t with his own personal fate; he’s concerned to be able to convey his divinely-assigned message.

Part of that message is simply to reiterate before king and priests the basic Israelite moral law enshrined in the Ten Commandments — basic, but ignored by them.  So he repeats the Decalogue to them, so that they can have no excuse when their fate overtakes them.  In verses 30-31, too, he helpfully explains something of the purpose of the laws given to Israel.

Nevertheless, he notes that the Ten Commandments aren’t sufficient to save.  An atonement is necessary.  And that, too, is part of his message.

In fact, he says, it was the point of the Law, and it was the message, in some form or another, of all the prophets (verses 33-35).  Noah and his priests have forgotten that, but it’s safe to say that Israel as a whole had, and has, as well.