Benjamin had two purposes in bringing his people together: (1) to name Mosiah as his successor, and (2) to invite them to take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. In this first chapter of his sermon, he performs official acts while teaching gospel principles. He gives an accounting of his service while encouraging his people to serve one another and express gratitude to God. He declares that Mosiah is king, and he urges his people to continue to obey the commandments of God which they have received from him.
Chapter Outline
- The people gather to hear Benjamin speak (v. 1-8)
- Benjamin gives an accounting of his service (v. 9-15)
- Lessons from Benjamin’s service:
- When you serve others, you are serving God (v. 16-17)
- If the king serves, then everyone should serve (v. 18)
- Thank your heavenly King (v. 19-26)
- Benjamin declares that Mosiah is now king (v. 27-30)
- Keep God’s commandments and avoid contention (v. 31-41)
My Takeaways
- It’s important to prepare ourselves for spiritual experiences.
- God is pleased when we serve His children.
- We should acknowledge the blessings God provides continuously.
- God blesses us both temporally and spiritually when we keep his commandments.
Featured Blog Posts
❖ The people gather – Mosiah 2:1-8
They Pitched Their Tents Round About – Mosiah 2:5-6
5 And it came to pass that when they came up to the temple, they pitched their tents round about, every man according to his family, consisting of his wife, and his sons, and his daughters, and their sons, and their daughters, from the eldest down to the youngest, every family being separate one from…
❖ Review of Benjamin’s service – Mosiah 2:9-15
Hearken
When King Benjamin called his people together near the end of his life, he began his sermon by urging them to listen carefully to what he had to say: I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and…
Open Your Ears That Ye May Hear – Mosiah 2:9
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I…
I Am Like As Yourselves – Mosiah 2:10-11
10 I have not commanded you to come up hither that ye should fear me, or that ye should think that I of myself am more than a mortal man. 11 But I am like as yourselves, subject to all manner of infirmities in body and mind; yet I have been chosen by this people,…
“I Have Been Suffered” – Mosiah 2:12
According to Mormon, God “appointed” Benjamin to be king (Mosiah 2:4). But Benjamin himself doesn’t say that. He doesn’t call himself the king, and he doesn’t say that he was chosen by God. What does he say? Three times, he refers to himself as, “I, whom ye call your king,” (Mosiah 2:18, 19, 26), suggesting that…
“Grievous to Be Borne” – Mosiah 2:14
The Apostle Paul taught an important principle in his epistle to the Romans: Disciples of Christ must strive to reduce the burdens other people must bear: We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. (Romans 15:1) And in his epistle to the Galatians, he emphasizes…
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Taxes?
The Book of Mormon speaks about the tax policies of five leaders. Two of them worked to minimize taxes on their people, while the other three imposed exorbitant taxes on their people, with predictably catastrophic results. King Benjamin reported to his people at the end of his life that he had labored with his own…
❖ Principle: Service to others is service to God – Mosiah 2:16-17
What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Serving Others?
King Benjamin was a remarkable leader. He was able to remain humble in spite of the political power he possessed, and to avoid abusing that power. At the end of his life, as he reported back to his people, he said that he had spent his days in their service. “I, myself,” he said, “have…
Service, Joy, and the Love of God
King Benjamin taught that when we are serving others, we are serving God. Elder Dieter F. Uchtorf added that serving others brings joy, and Elder Alexander Dushku added that we can feel the love God has for others as we serve them.
❖ Principle: Thank your Heavenly King – Mosiah 2:19-26
All the Thanks and Praise – Mosiah 2:20-21
20 I say unto you, my brethren, that if you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you, and has kept and preserved you, and has caused that ye should rejoice, and has granted that ye should live in peace one…
“From Day to Day” – Mosiah 2:21, Mosiah 4:24, 26
Because of a health scare over the weekend, I had the opportunity to see an image of my heart beating on Sunday. As I watched that muscle working hard to pump blood through my body, I remarked to the technician how amazing it is that this process happens over and over, about 70 times each…
Unprofitable
We can never pay God back for what He has done for us and is doing for us. This may seem discouraging, but it is actually liberating and ennobling. If we let go of the illusion of control, we can grow and progress in an environment of His sustaining grace
❖ Mosiah named as king – Mosiah 2:27-30
That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood – Mosiah 2:27-28
27 Therefore, as I said unto you that I had served you, walking with a clear conscience before God, even so I at this time have caused that ye should assemble yourselves together, that I might be found blameless, and that your blood should not come upon me, when I shall stand to be judged…
❖ Keep the commandments and avoid contention – Mosiah 2:31-41
King Benjamin and Contention
Contention was a major issue for the people of King Benjamin: “And now, concerning this king Benjamin—he had somewhat of contentions among his own people” (Words of Mormon 1:12). “And after there having been much contention and many dissensions away unto the Lamanites, behold, it came to pass that king Benjamin, with the assistance of…
Blessed in All Things
King Benjamin taught that those who keep God’s commandments are “blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual.” President Nelson has explained that understanding and obeying divine laws produces positive outcomes, both in this life and in eternity.
“Temporal and Spiritual” – Mosiah 2:41
Don’t underestimate the value of temporary things. On at least two occasions, Nephi’s brothers, Laman and Lemuel, asked him whether the principles of the gospel related to temporal things or only to spiritual things. They seem to have wanted to keep different parts of their lives separates, with their daily decisions being disconnected with their…
Old Testament Foundations
Creation as Grace
King Benjamin wanted his people to recognize the extraordinary gifts they had received from God. It is impossible to be grateful enough, he said. God has given us far more than we can even adequately acknowledge: If you should render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created…
A Solemn Assembly
Today is the Jewish holiday Shemini Atzeret, which falls the day after the seven-day festival of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. The word shemini (שמיני) means eighth, and atzeret (עצרת) is a “solemn assembly.” The Lord commanded ancient Israel twice to observe this day: “Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto…
“Thou Art My Servant”
To be a servant of God is a great honor. King Benjamin reported to his people that God had preserved him so that he could serve them. Then, he added, “Because I said unto you that I had spent my days in your service, I do not desire to boast, for I have only been…
Preparing My Heart
Samuel spoke to the Israelites before a significant battle against the Philistines. “Prepare your hearts unto the Lord,” he said, “and he will deliver you” (1 Samuel 7:3). When King David’s people donated materials to build a temple, he asked God to help them remember that day and “prepare their heart unto thee” (1 Chronicles…
“I Will Build Thee an House”
Sometimes we need to be reminded just how unequal our relationship with God is. King Benjamin taught that if we serve God with all of our souls for the rest of our lives, we would still be “unprofitable servants.” God has already given us far more than we could ever hope to repay, and the…
“Wells…Which Thou Diggedst Not”
It’s easy to take the good things in our lives for granted. Gratitude helps us stay humble and reminds us of our obligation bless the lives of others. At the end of Moses’ life, as his people prepared to enter the promised land, he warned them not to forget the source of their blessings: When…
New Testament Parallels
“If Ye Love Me…”
When we love God, we want to follow His guidance. Obedience without love is not sustainable, but the good news is that as we keep God’s commandments, our love for Him grows. This piece by Thomas Tallis is based on the words of Jesus at the Last Supper.
Servant Leadership
Jesus taught that leaders in God’s kingdom do not place themselves above others. They focus on serving and ministering to those they lead. In the Book of Mormon, King Benjamin and Ammon demonstrated this kind of leadership.
“Exact No More…”
John the Baptist answered the same question asked by three groups of people: “What shall we do.” All three of his answers are based on the same underlying principle, a principle which King Benjamin also exemplified and taught: Don’t take more than you should. Discipline yourself to not abuse the power you have.
What Does It Mean to “Render” Thanks?
When we receive a gift, we have a natural desire to do something for the giver. Perhaps it is our intuitive sense of justice which tells us that good deeds ought to be repaid. Of course, the way this life is structured, it is impossible for us to pay back many of those who have…
Church History Connections
Void of Offense
King Benjamin, Paul, and Joseph Smith all declared their adherence to conscience. Paul said that he “exercise[d] himself” to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. We can also be intentional about heeding our conscience.
Trifle
One form of foolishness is to take seriously things that aren’t important—to obsess over trivial things. But a more dangerous form of foolishness is to treat lightly things that really are important. When King Benjamin invited his people to gather and hear his final words, he urged them to adopt an appropriate mindset to receive…
“Beware Lest There Shall Arise Contentions Among You” – Mosiah 2:32
After King Benjamin announced to his people that his son, Mosiah, would be their new king, he promised them continued prosperity and peace if they would continue to keep the commandments of God. But he followed this promise with a stern warning: O my people, beware lest there shall arise contentions among you, and ye list to obey the evil…
In Temporal Labors
God blesses us both temporally and spiritually, but it’s important for us to keep those blessings, and our corresponding responsibilities in perspective. Eternal things are more important than temporary ones. Our temporal blessings and efforts must be subservient to our spiritual ones.
Your Privileges
Prophets elevate our vision and make us aware of blessings which are available to us. President Russell M. Nelson invited the women of the church to study Doctrine and Covenants 25. Joy D. Jones and Emily Belle Freeman both testified that accepting and acting on that revelation changed their lives.
All Posts Referencing Mosiah 2
- Eulogy vs. Resume (11/28/2025)
- A Prayer of Praise and Thanksgiving (11/27/2025)
- Predicated (11/15/2025)
- Recorded on Earth and in Heaven (11/4/2025)
- Seeing the Face of God (8/27/2025)
- Living, Moving, Being (8/8/2025)
- Rendering an Account of My Stewardships (7/2/2025)
- Tithing and the Day of Burning (6/19/2025)
- In Temporal Labors (3/20/2025)
- How to Recognize the Holy Ghost (2/5/2025)
- Called, Chosen, and Faithful (1/30/2025)
- Hearken and Search (1/9/2025)
- Samuel the Lamanite on the Burden of Freedom (9/10/2024)
- Equal Rights, Shared Responsibilities (6/4/2024)
- Blessed in All Things (4/26/2024)
- Service, Joy, and the Love of God (4/24/2024)
- Unprofitable (4/23/2024)
- Burdens (3/8/2024)
- Sense and Insensibility (2/10/2024)
- Letters to the Seven Churches (12/7/2023)
- Developing Christlike Attributes (11/25/2023)
- Think Celestial! (10/12/2023)
- Earning vs. Qualifying (9/28/2023)
- By the Grace of God (9/9/2023)
- Only by His Grace (8/11/2023)
- Void of Offense (8/2/2023)
- “If Ye Love Me…” (6/6/2023)
- The Sheep and the Wayfaring Man (5/23/2023)
- Servant Leadership (5/9/2023)
- The Zeal of Thine House (4/4/2023)
- “Exact No More…” (1/26/2023)
- Repentance and Resolutions (1/1/2023)
- “Consider Your Ways” (12/6/2022)
- God Gave Them Knowledge (11/1/2022)
- Incline Your Ear (10/1/2022)
- “Thou Art My Servant” (9/24/2022)
- How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling-place (8/21/2022)
- Preparing My Heart (7/23/2022)
- Josiah and Benjamin (7/12/2022)
- Overcoming Temptation: Lessons from David and Corianton (6/24/2022)
- “I Will Build Thee an House” (6/22/2022)
- Gleaning (6/8/2022)
- “Wells…Which Thou Diggedst Not” (5/22/2022)
- Segullah (4/19/2022)
- Beth-El (3/2/2022)
- Machpelah: Paying Full Price (2/18/2022)
- Creation as Grace (1/6/2022)
- The Living Christ and the Book of Mormon (12/26/2021)
- “Especial Care” (11/2/2021)
- Integrity (10/29/2021)
- A Solemn Assembly (9/28/2021)
- Grace for Grace (8/25/2021)
- Maintenance (7/24/2021)
- Oblations (5/30/2021)
- The Two Great Commandments (5/29/2021)
- Love One Another and Serve One Another (3/30/2021)
- A House of Prayer (3/29/2021)
- “That Ye May Not Shrink” – 2 Nephi 9:46 (2/27/2021)
- “Temporal and Spiritual” – Mosiah 2:41 (2/20/2021)
- “Fellow-Servants” (Alma 17:29) (2/9/2021)
- Trifle (1/27/2021)
- “Beware Lest There Shall Arise Contentions Among You” – Mosiah 2:32 (1/5/2021)
- “The Gift of His Calling” – Moroni 7:2 (12/10/2020)
- “I Am Infirm” – Alma 31:30 (7/12/2020)
- “Will Ye Persist in Supposing That Ye Are Better One Than Another?” – Alma 5:54 (6/4/2020)
- “I Have Spoken Unto You Plainly” – Alma 5:43 (6/3/2020)
- “From Day to Day” – Mosiah 2:21, Mosiah 4:24, 26 (4/28/2020)
- “That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood” – Mosiah 2:27-28 (4/17/2020)
- “I Have Been Suffered” – Mosiah 2:12 (4/16/2020)
- “Grievous to Be Borne” – Mosiah 2:14 (4/15/2020)
- King Benjamin and Contention (4/14/2020)
- Hearken (4/8/2020)
- “All Flesh Is of the Dust” – Jacob 2:21 (3/12/2020)
- What Are the Mysteries of God? (1/19/2020)
- What Is the Role of Music in the Gospel? (12/17/2019)
- Why Are Reunions Important? (12/14/2019)
- What Is Wisdom? (12/13/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Corruption? (12/10/2019)
- What Does It Mean to “Render” Thanks? (12/1/2019)
- What Should I Be Thankful For? (11/28/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach about Sacrifice? (11/17/2019)
- How Can I Avoid Being an “Unholy Temple?” (11/14/2019)
- How Can I Recognize the Hand of the Lord in My Life? (10/27/2019)
- Will We Be Judged by the Apostles? (10/9/2019)
- What Should I Do When Prophetic Teachings Are Difficult to Understand or Accept? (10/6/2019)
- What Does It Mean to Bear One Another’s Burdens? (9/28/2019)
- What Is the Relationship Between the Family and the Church? (9/18/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Education? (8/29/2019)
- How Can I Be a More Effective Leader? (8/23/2019)
- What Can We Learn from the Lord’s Prayer? (7/25/2019)
- What Is the Significance of God’s Promise to Nephi? (7/19/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Self-Reliance? (7/18/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Teaching the Gospel in Families? (7/16/2019)
- What Does It Mean to “Hearken?” (7/14/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Obedience? (6/30/2019)
- What Should I Do When I Feel Guilty? (6/24/2019)
- How Can I Be a Better Listener? (5/12/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Happiness? (5/6/2019)
- What Does It Mean to Consecrate Something? (5/4/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Serving Others? (4/26/2019)
- How Does God Communicate with Us? (4/16/2019)
- How Can I Prepare to Hear the Words of Prophets? (4/6/2019)
- What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Taxes? (4/6/2019)
- What Does It Mean to “Apply the Atoning Blood of Christ?” (1/31/2019)
- That I Might Rid My Garments of Your Blood – Mosiah 2:27-28 (6/15/2018)
- In the Service of Your God – Mosiah 2:16-17 (10/15/2017)
- I Am Like As Yourselves – Mosiah 2:10-11 (10/14/2017)
- They Pitched Their Tents Round About – Mosiah 2:5-6 (9/26/2016)
- The Blessed and Happy State – Mosiah 2:41 (9/13/2016)
- To Spend My Days in Your Service – Mosiah 2:12-14 (7/25/2016)
- Open Your Ears That Ye May Hear – Mosiah 2:9 (7/19/2016)
- Ye Do Withdraw Yourselves – Mosiah 2:36 (6/20/2016)
- All the Thanks and Praise – Mosiah 2:20-21 (5/4/2016)
- That Ye May Learn Wisdom – Mosiah 2:17, Alma 38:9 (4/27/2016)
- In the Service of Your Fellow Beings – Mosiah 2:17 (4/2/2016)
- Unprofitable Servants – Mosiah 2:21 (4/18/2015)
- “Ye Do Withdraw Yourselves” – Mosiah 2:36 (4/17/2015)
- Open Your Ears That Ye May Hear – Mosiah 2:9 (4/16/2015)
- Mosiah 2:41 They Are Blessed in All Things (10/10/2014)