< Mosiah 24 >
v.. 11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.
Alma and Daniel
In Daniel 6, King Darius is tricked into signing a decree the no one should pray to any god. Daniel continues to pray despite this law and is thrown into the lion's den. Not quite the same, but the punishment of death for praying was the same.
While both stories involve a law against prayer with death as a penalty, they differ in important ways:
1. Public vs. Private
Alma and Daniel
In Daniel 6, King Darius is tricked into signing a decree the no one should pray to any god. Daniel continues to pray despite this law and is thrown into the lion's den. Not quite the same, but the punishment of death for praying was the same.
While both stories involve a law against prayer with death as a penalty, they differ in important ways:
1. Public vs. Private
- Daniel — Daniel openly violates the decree; his punishment is immediate, and deliverance is miraculous.
- Alma’s people — They do not publicly violate the decree; they pray internally (pour out their hearts) and are strengthened rather than miraculously spared in the moment of execution.
- Daniel — The narrative ends with rescue from death.
- Alma’s people — They endure suffering in faith and are eventually delivered from bondage.
- Daniel — Highlights God’s supernatural intervention on behalf of a faithful individual.
- Mosiah — Highlights God’s strengthening of a covenant community within suffering before eventual deliverance.
v. 14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs....
Burdens become light
Matthew 11: 28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
"We are not and never need be alone," "We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. Through the Savior's Atonement we can receive capacity and strength beyond our own."
Burdens become light
Matthew 11: 28-30 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.
"We are not and never need be alone," "We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. Through the Savior's Atonement we can receive capacity and strength beyond our own."
- "Bear Up Their Burdens with Ease" April 2014 General Conference - David A. Bednar.