Jephthah and Amalickiah both made rash promises, and both paid a tragic price. Jephthah lost his daughter; Amalickiah lost his life. No wonder the Savior would later counsel His disciples on both continents, "Swear not at all; ... but let your communication be Yea, yea; Nay, nay, for whatsoever cometh of more than these is evil."
There Failed Not Ought
The author of Joshua steps back near the end of the book to clearly state the core message of the book: God keeps His promises. Mormon provides similar conclusions in the Book of Mormon, even inviting readers to conduct their own inventory and see for themselves.
Joshua and Moroni: Lessons from the War Chapters
The battles described in the Old Testament and the Book of Mormon can teach us important principles. The experiences of both Joshua and Captain Moroni demonstrate the importance of preparedness, focus, and faith.
Multiply and Replenish
God wants His children to marry and raise children. When that is not possible, we can follow the example of Adam and Eve while they were still in the Garden of Eden: multiplying and replenishing the earth by tending the personal gardens in which God has placed us.
“An Exceedingly Curious Man”
Mormon called Hagoth "an exceedingly curious man," but credited him with initiating an enormous Nephite migration northward. The lesson: Don't be dismissive of curious people with unusual ideas. Those ideas may be just what you need to move forward.
Never Stop Preparing
One key to Moroni's success was preparation. He prepared his troops with armor. He turned cities into fortresses. After successful battles, he "did not stop making preparations." We can follow his example by continuously preparing for future challenges.
Strongholds
The Hebrew word mauz (מָעוֹז) means a place of safety or protection. In the King James Version of the Bible, it is usually translated "strength," sometimes "rock," "fortress" or "fort," and once, in the book of Nahum, it is translated "strong hold:" The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them... Continue Reading →
Building a Wall
Walls are useful. I spend most days in a room surrounded by four walls and a ceiling, which shields me from adverse weather while eliminating (I think) a lot of distractions. Walls and fences can delineate land that is intended for a specific use. Walls can also serve a decorative function, allowing us to hang... Continue Reading →
King-Men and Freedom of Speech
Words matter. Words have an impact, for good or for evil. Jesus said, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment" (Matthew 12:36). And Alma warned the people of Ammonihah, some of whom were guilty of deceiving others, "Our words will condemn us" (Alma 12:24).... Continue Reading →
“Prepare Ye, Prepare Ye”
In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord speaks of "the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth," and He foretells a time when "peace shall be taken from the earth" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 35). But in the same chapter, He provides the following counsel: "Prepare ye, prepare ye for that which is... Continue Reading →