Lesson 17 Gospel Doctrine Book of Mormon

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

2. •Purpose
• To 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

3. • Preparation
• a. Mosiah 7–8. 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 9–10. Part of the record of Zeniff, Limhi’s grandfather, recounts
a brief history of how Zeniff’s people arrived in the land of Nephi. It also
recounts how the Lord strengthened them in wars against the Lamanites.
• c. Mosiah 11. Zeniff’s son Noah rules in wickedness. Despite the warnings
of the prophet Abinadi, the people are blind to the wickedness of Noah and
his priests.

4. Lehi-
Nephi
Separate
from Laman
400 years later leaves
Nephites
Mosiah is King
Group of Nephites leave
About 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 Zeniff’s
grandson

5. • 2 Nephi 5, the book of Omni, and Mosiah 7 and 9.
• 1. After Lehi’s 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 (2 Nephi 5:5–8). 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 1:12–19).
• 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 9:1–7).
• 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
Zeniff’s grandson (Mosiah 7:1–11).

7. • 1. Ammon and his brethren find Limhi and his people.
• Why did Limhi take Ammon and his companions captive? (See Mosiah 7:8–11.)
• Why did Limhi rejoice when he learned who Ammon was? (See Mosiah 7:12–15)
• What message did Limhi share with his people after talking with Ammon? (See Mosiah
7:17–20, 29–33.)
• What does this reveal about Limhi’s 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 8:8–11; see also Ether 1:1–2.)
• They found the remains of the Jaredite civilization who had settled there centuries
before the Nephites arrived.

8. • What did Limhi request of Ammon regarding the 24 gold plates of the Jaredites?
(See Mosiah 8:11–12.)
• Why would it be helpful for Limhi’s people—and for us—to “know the cause of [the]
destruction” of the Jaredites?
• How did Ammon respond to Limhi’s request? (See Mosiah 8:13–14.)
• 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.

9. • BIBLE DICTIONARY
• Seer
• “A seer is a revelator and a prophet also” (Mosiah
8:15–16), 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 God’s 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 8:15–18).
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.

10. • What are the roles of a seer? (See Mosiah 8:13, 17–18.)
• 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?

13. • Urim and Thummim
• Hebrew 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;
1 Sam. 28:6; Ezra 2:63; Neh. 7:65; JS—H 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 3:21–28). Abraham used a Urim and Thummim (Abr. 3:1–4), as did Aaron and the
priests of Israel, and also the prophets among the Nephites (Omni 1:20–21; Mosiah 8:13–19; 21:26–28;
28:11–20; Ether 4:1–7). 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 3:22–28; D&C 10:1; 17:1). (See Seer.) A partial
description is given in JS—H 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 130:6–11).

14. • Boyd K. Packer
• “The 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. …

15. • Boyd K. Packer• … The entire curriculum of the Church was
overhauled—based 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, 24–25; or Ensign, May 1994,
20).

18. • Chapters 9–22 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, Limhi’s grandfather.
• Why was the Lamanites’ attitude toward the Nephites so bad that they
wanted to make them slaves? (See Mosiah 10:11–17. )
• 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?

19. • 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 7:21–22; 9:3.)
• What were the results of Zeniff’s over-zealousness? (See Mosiah 9:3–12;
10:18.)
• What are some dangers of being overzealous, even in a good cause?
How can we be zealous in the Lord’s work without being overzealous?

21. • 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
9:13–17.)
• How were they blessed when they remembered the
Lord and prayed for deliverance? (See Mosiah 9:18;
10:19–21.) 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?

23. • 3. Abinadi warns the people, but they are blind to Noah’s 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 11:1–
19. 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, 5–7.) 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 11:20–25. 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 Abinadi’s warnings? (See Mosiah 11:26–28; see also Mosiah
12:13–15.) 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 8:16–18; D&C 1:38; 84:36–38.)

24. • Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know how the decisions you’re making right
now will continually affect others.
• Take a look at Abinadi (see Mosiah 11–17). 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, Abinadi’s bravery and determination to do what
was right blessed the lives of thousands of people.
• Alma the Elder (Mosiah 18; Mosiah 25:15–19)
• The first person Abinadi impacted was Alma the Elder. He taught and baptized 450 people!
• Alma the Younger (Mosiah 29:42–47)
• Helaman, Son of Alma
• 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
• 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 Christ’s coming, even raising his
brother from the dead (see 3 Nephi 7:15–26). He was chosen as one of Christ’s 12 disciples when the Savior appeared (see 3
Nephi 12:1). The disciples helped convert all the Nephites and Lamanites after Christ’s coming (see 4 Nephi 1:2).
• You never know how many people will be influenced by what you choose to do.

25. • Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know
how the decisions you’re 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 29:42–47)
• Helaman, Son of Alma
• 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
• 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.

26. • Conclusion
• Let’s all follow the counsel of
righteous leaders, particularly
those whom the Lord has called
as prophets, seers, and
revelators.

27. • Many choices have more significance than you can possibly imagine! You never know how the decisions you’re making right now will continually affect
others.
• Take a look at Abinadi (see Mosiah 11–17). 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, Abinadi’s bravery and determination to do what was right blessed the lives of thousands of people.
• Alma the Elder (Mosiah 18; Mosiah 25:15–19)
• The first person Abinadi impacted was Alma the Elder, then one of King Noah’s judges. As he listened to Abinadi, he was inspired to repent, change his
life, and share Abinadi’s 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 29:42–47)
• 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 Alma
• Helaman 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 Christ’s coming, even raising his brother from the dead (see 3
Nephi 7:15–26). He was chosen as one of Christ’s 12 disciples when the Savior appeared (see 3 Nephi 12:1). The disciples helped convert all the
Nephites and Lamanites after Christ’s coming (see 4 Nephi 1:2).
• You never know how many people will be influenced by what you choose to do.