Job's friend Eliphaz taught true principles, including the law of the harvest, the impossibility of outsmarting God, and the need to submit to His correction. All true, and all echoed favorably in other scriptural passages. But none were helpful to Job because they were delivered judgmentally instead of empathetically.
Bread from Heaven
God promised Israel "bread from heaven." The Israelites called it "manna," which means "what is it?" It sustained them for forty years, but as Jesus explained, this bread was symbolic of the true Bread, which offers us eternal life. Each week, as we partake of the sacrament, we remember Him, our Bread from heaven.
Stand Still, See, and Go Forward
Both Moses and Limhi urged their people to calm their fears, observe, and prepare to move forward in spite of apparently insurmountable obstacles. Sometimes we need to slow down enough to recognize God's hand, so that we can move forward with renewed confidence.
The God of Abraham
God chooses to be recognized by His interactions with prior generations. Abraham functions as a template for the covenant life. His descendants understand God through His interactions with Abraham, and they understand their identity as heirs of the blessings and the responsibilities of Abraham.
Abinadi, Authority, and the Image of God
King Noah maintained authority by cultivating inequality through displays of power. Abinadi threatened that order by proclaiming that God himself would come to earth and live among humanity. Noah's son Limhi later explained Abinadi's death by connecting this claim with the doctrine that humanity was created in God’s image.
A Proclamation
Anyone can declare something, but only a person with authority can proclaim it. Ancient prophets proclaimed truths to kings by divine authority. Modern prophets have also issued six declarations with specific messages and warnings for church members, world leaders, and all people.
Avoiding Deception
We can avoid being deceived by (1) obtaining and remembering accurate information, (2) being vigilant but not paranoid, and (3) drawing closer to God, who can enlighten our minds and help us see more clearly.
In the Wilderness
We can learn a lot about navigating our wildernesses from Zeniff and Limhi. 1. Wandering is expected. 2. You may find unexpected treasures along the way. 3. You may be better off than you were before. 4. You will be motivated to put your trust in God.
Limhi’s Psalm
When a search party arrived from Zarahemla, Limhi declared his faith in the form of a psalm. The psalm echoes the prophecies of Abinadi, explaining the consequences of rejecting God. But Limhi's people now trusted in God and were led to safety and freedom
“Full Purpose of Heart…All Diligence of Mind”
Limhi promised his people that God would deliver them if they would turn to Him, trust Him, and serve Him. But he qualified that promise: He will deliver us in His own time and way if we love and serve Him with our whole heart and mind.