< Mosiah 4 >
Comparing Isaiah 58 to Mosiah 4 - Caring for the poor and creating a Zion people
King Benjamin's sermon, is in many ways, the Nephite Isaiah 58 - a call to discipleship through mercy and practical love. Pure worship = caring for the poor, lifting the oppressed, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, relieving burdens, and doing it with wisdom and compassion.
Isaiah 58 (True Fast) |
Mosiah 4 (King Benjamin and Zion) |
Connection |
“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens, let the oppressed go free…" (v. 6) |
“Ye will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably… impart of your substance… relieve the needy…”(v. 13–26) |
Both teach that true discipleship is lifting burdens, reducing suffering, and practicing social/spiritual liberation. |
Deal thy bread to the hungry (v. 7) |
“Administer of your substance to him that standeth in need.” (v. 16) |
Feed the hungry as a core covenant obligation. |
Bring the poor that are cast out to thy house (v. 7) |
“Ye will not suffer the beggar to put up his petition to you in vain.” (v. 16) |
Welcome, not ignore, the poor; don’t turn them away. |
Cover the naked (v. 7) |
“Clothe the naked.” (v. 16) |
Identical command: minister to physical needs. |
Hide not thyself from thine own flesh (v. 7) |
“Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery… But whosoever doeth this hath great cause to repent.” (v. 17–18) |
Do not avoid, judge, or excuse yourself from helping those in need. |
Then shall thy light break forth as the morning… (v. 8) |
“If ye do these things… ye shall always rejoice and be filled with the love of God.” (v. 12) |
God promises spiritual light and joy when we care for the poor. |
Thine health shall spring forth speedily (v. 8) |
“Ye shall prosper in the land.” (v. 26, 30) |
Blessings of physical and temporal well-being flow from generosity. |
Thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy reward (v. 8) |
“Retain a remission of your sins.” (v. 12) |
Mercy toward others invites God’s mercy toward us. |
Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer (v. 9) |
“Ye shall call on the name of the Lord daily.” (v. 11) |
Compassion opens the channel of prayer and divine response. |
If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry… thy darkness shall be as the noonday. (v. 10) |
“That ye may walk guiltless before God.”(v. 26) |
Service softens guilt, removes darkness, and brings spiritual clarity. |
Thou shalt be like a watered garden (v. 11) |
“Ye shall be filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit.” (v. 12) |
Caring for the needy brings spiritual abundance and flourishing. |
If thou turn away thy foot from… doing thy pleasure on my holy day… call the sabbath a delight (v. 13) |
“Consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments.”(v. 41) |
Holiness involves devotion, obedience, and consecration, not just ritual. |
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD (v. 14) |
“Ye shall always rejoice.” (v. 12) |
Caring for the needy makes disciples delight in God. |
Break every yoke (v. 6) |
“Ye will not suffer that the beggar put up his petition in vain.” (v. 16) |
Relieving poverty is a form of breaking yokes of suffering. |
Stop pointing the finger and speaking vanity (v. 9) |
“If ye judge the poor… ye sin.” (v. 22–23) |
Condemning the poor is a sin; compassion over judgment. |
Do this in wisdom (implicit in entire chapter) |
“All these things must be done in wisdom and order.” (v. 27) |
Service must be generous and sustainable; no burnout or self-destruction. |
v. 2 ... And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.
Three Requests:
1) Have mercy
2) Receive a forgiveness of sins
3) Hearts may be purified (desires may be purified) - chapter 5:2 is where it happens (that mighty change)
In vs. 3 they get what they requested for the first 2 requests
What qualities does a mighty change of heart disciple possess?
Mosiah 4:9 - Believe in God, filled with faith, Believe that He is all knowing, has all power. Faith in the principle that God's ways are higher than our ways. We may not understand all things (1 Nephi 11:17 but we just have to have faith that God knows.
Mosiah 4:13 - A peacemaker
Mosiah 4:14-15 - Seek to be good parents, take care of your kids temporally and spiritually.
Mosiah 4:16 - Charitable, they succor those who stand in need of succor - run to help someone. As Christ succors us, we should seek to succor others. Care for the poor and the needy.
Mosiah 5:2 - no more disposition to do evil, but do good continually
A valiant disciple of Christ seeks to cultivate a "Mighty Change of Heart"
Three Requests:
1) Have mercy
2) Receive a forgiveness of sins
3) Hearts may be purified (desires may be purified) - chapter 5:2 is where it happens (that mighty change)
In vs. 3 they get what they requested for the first 2 requests
What qualities does a mighty change of heart disciple possess?
Mosiah 4:9 - Believe in God, filled with faith, Believe that He is all knowing, has all power. Faith in the principle that God's ways are higher than our ways. We may not understand all things (1 Nephi 11:17 but we just have to have faith that God knows.
Mosiah 4:13 - A peacemaker
Mosiah 4:14-15 - Seek to be good parents, take care of your kids temporally and spiritually.
Mosiah 4:16 - Charitable, they succor those who stand in need of succor - run to help someone. As Christ succors us, we should seek to succor others. Care for the poor and the needy.
Mosiah 5:2 - no more disposition to do evil, but do good continually
A valiant disciple of Christ seeks to cultivate a "Mighty Change of Heart"
v. 3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come...
My peace
Peace of conscience vs. peace of circumstances
You can have peace of conscience even when:
This is why Christ says:
“My peace I give unto you… not as the world giveth.”
—John 14:27
Peace of conscience is not about life being peaceful
—it is about your soul being peaceful.
Here it comes because of faith in Jesus Christ which led to a remission of their sins. Reconcilitation to God leads to forgiveness and peace.
The opposite: unrest of conscience
Scripture calls this:
These are not punishments—they are the soul’s natural reaction to being out of alignment with God.
My peace
Peace of conscience vs. peace of circumstances
You can have peace of conscience even when:
- life is chaotic
- trials are heavy
- you feel stressed
- outward peace is missing
This is why Christ says:
“My peace I give unto you… not as the world giveth.”
—John 14:27
Peace of conscience is not about life being peaceful
—it is about your soul being peaceful.
Here it comes because of faith in Jesus Christ which led to a remission of their sins. Reconcilitation to God leads to forgiveness and peace.
The opposite: unrest of conscience
Scripture calls this:
- “a stirring up to remembrance”
- “anguish of soul”
- “gall of bitterness”
- “pains of hell” (Alma 36)
These are not punishments—they are the soul’s natural reaction to being out of alignment with God.
v. 6 ... that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body -
Spiritual EnduranceOnce you have experienced a mighty change of heart, you need to preserve it. Maybe you feel spiritually weary or burnt out. Once we have obtained a mighty change of heart we need to maintain a mighty change of heart. We need to master the principles of spiritual endurance.
Story of Cliff Young - Sydney to Melbourne ultra marathon, he was a 60 year old potato farmer - finished the race 2 days faster than anyone before. He won by enduring what no one else was willing to endure.
King Benjamin teaches us how to endure:
Spiritual Endurance:
Mosiah 4:6 - Continue in the faith
Mosiah 4:6 - Diligent in keeping the commandments
Mosiah 5:15 - Steadfast and Immovable - abounding in good works
Mosiah 4:30 - Continue in the faith
Mosiah 5:5 - Be obedient to the commandments
Mosiah 5:8 - Be obedient to the end
Mosiah 4:11 - Always Remember
Mosiah 5:12 - Retain the name written always in your hearts
The mighty change isn't just a one time thing, they're committment is being reinvigorated. There is a mighty change in the fire, his sermon has blown air onto the fire of their faith.
It needs to be maintained or rekindled throughout our lives.
How to Endure:
Mosiah 4:11-12 - Remember and always retain in remembrance those truths. There is a need to be reminded frequently of God's greatness and goodness. Stay humble (importance to remember that we are nothing). Calling on Him daily. Retain a remembrance and you will obtain a remission.
Mosiah 4:27 - run with wisdom - everything done in order, don’t run faster than you have strength
Mosiah 5:5 - enter a covenant - to be obedient to his commandments - covenants reinforce resolve. they give us strength to endure when things get tough. We make a covenant. They stand out as special and significant moments in our lives. Like in marriage: When tough times come, we think back on those covenant moments on when we were able to commit to that person and it gives us strength.
In vs. 5, 8, 12 - be obedient, take upon us his name, always remember him - the sacrament covenant. We do it every week - endurance. Why are we invited to attend the temple frequently - Committing with covenants will help us to endure.
Mosiah 5:7-12 - retain the name - what have you done with your name?
Mosiah 5:12-13 - know the voice - the sheep know the shepherds voice
Spiritual EnduranceOnce you have experienced a mighty change of heart, you need to preserve it. Maybe you feel spiritually weary or burnt out. Once we have obtained a mighty change of heart we need to maintain a mighty change of heart. We need to master the principles of spiritual endurance.
Story of Cliff Young - Sydney to Melbourne ultra marathon, he was a 60 year old potato farmer - finished the race 2 days faster than anyone before. He won by enduring what no one else was willing to endure.
King Benjamin teaches us how to endure:
Spiritual Endurance:
Mosiah 4:6 - Continue in the faith
Mosiah 4:6 - Diligent in keeping the commandments
Mosiah 5:15 - Steadfast and Immovable - abounding in good works
Mosiah 4:30 - Continue in the faith
Mosiah 5:5 - Be obedient to the commandments
Mosiah 5:8 - Be obedient to the end
Mosiah 4:11 - Always Remember
Mosiah 5:12 - Retain the name written always in your hearts
The mighty change isn't just a one time thing, they're committment is being reinvigorated. There is a mighty change in the fire, his sermon has blown air onto the fire of their faith.
It needs to be maintained or rekindled throughout our lives.
How to Endure:
Mosiah 4:11-12 - Remember and always retain in remembrance those truths. There is a need to be reminded frequently of God's greatness and goodness. Stay humble (importance to remember that we are nothing). Calling on Him daily. Retain a remembrance and you will obtain a remission.
Mosiah 4:27 - run with wisdom - everything done in order, don’t run faster than you have strength
Mosiah 5:5 - enter a covenant - to be obedient to his commandments - covenants reinforce resolve. they give us strength to endure when things get tough. We make a covenant. They stand out as special and significant moments in our lives. Like in marriage: When tough times come, we think back on those covenant moments on when we were able to commit to that person and it gives us strength.
In vs. 5, 8, 12 - be obedient, take upon us his name, always remember him - the sacrament covenant. We do it every week - endurance. Why are we invited to attend the temple frequently - Committing with covenants will help us to endure.
Mosiah 5:7-12 - retain the name - what have you done with your name?
Mosiah 5:12-13 - know the voice - the sheep know the shepherds voice
v.9 Believe in God; believe that he is, and the he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both heaven and in earth...
This is what faith is: believing that God has all knowledge and all power...faith that He uses it for our benefit to help us achieve what we cannot on our own.
This is what faith is: believing that God has all knowledge and all power...faith that He uses it for our benefit to help us achieve what we cannot on our own.
v. 26 that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God - I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath...
Verses that echo Mosiah 4:26:
Mosiah 18:27–28:
"And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given."
Mosiah 4:16:
"And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish."
Alma 34:28
“If ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.”
Doctrine & Covenants 52:40:
“And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.”
Verses that echo Mosiah 4:26:
Mosiah 18:27–28:
"And again Alma commanded that the people of the church should impart of their substance, every one according to that which he had; if he have more abundantly he should impart more abundantly; and of him that had but little, but little should be required; and to him that had not should be given."
Mosiah 4:16:
"And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish."
Alma 34:28
“If ye turn away the needy, and the naked, and visit not the sick and afflicted, and impart of your substance, if ye have, to those who stand in need—I say unto you, if ye do not any of these things, behold, your prayer is vain, and availeth you nothing, and ye are as hypocrites who do deny the faith.”
Doctrine & Covenants 52:40:
“And remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.”
v.27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength...all things must be done in order.
Care deeply, relieve suffering, but don’t destroy your own household doing so. Your giving must be sustainable, wise, orderly
This is exactly what the Lord says in Doctrine & Covenants:
D&C 82:17–19: A steward must meet his own needs and then lift others. Radical generosity + practical sustainability
Benjamin teaches the perfect balance:
1. Do not turn away the needy out of excuses: (v. 17–18)
2. Do not judge or condemn the poor: (v. 22–23)
3. Do not give beyond what you are capable of (v. 27)
4. But do give what you are able to give (v. 26)
Why this matters spiritually:
King Benjamin is forming a Zion society (Mosiah 4 → Mosiah 5):
God does not want:
Care deeply, relieve suffering, but don’t destroy your own household doing so. Your giving must be sustainable, wise, orderly
This is exactly what the Lord says in Doctrine & Covenants:
D&C 82:17–19: A steward must meet his own needs and then lift others. Radical generosity + practical sustainability
Benjamin teaches the perfect balance:
1. Do not turn away the needy out of excuses: (v. 17–18)
2. Do not judge or condemn the poor: (v. 22–23)
3. Do not give beyond what you are capable of (v. 27)
4. But do give what you are able to give (v. 26)
Why this matters spiritually:
King Benjamin is forming a Zion society (Mosiah 4 → Mosiah 5):
- One heart
- One mind
- No poor among them (Moses 7:18 parallel)
God does not want:
- reckless giving
- enabling harmful behavior
- abandoning your family to help others
- destroying your own ability to serve tomorrow
v. 30 ... and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives...And now, I man, remember, and perish not.
The most important word in the English language could be remember - Spencer W. Kimball
The most important word in the English language could be remember - Spencer W. Kimball