Mosiah 18-24

Mosiah 18

Now, Abinidi didn’t lose his life in vain,

For his words had touched Alma and brought him great shame.

Alma chose to repent and share what he had learned

From the prophet that Noah and his priests had burned. 

Though he preached in secret to avoid being caught,

There were many people who believed what he taught.

Alma had to hide out in a thicket of trees

So that he could testify without being seen. 

He taught them that they all needed to be baptized,

And baptized them all, though their group was large in size.

“Baptism’s a promise,” he told them, “At its core, 

“You agree that you’ll be a witness of the Lord,

“And that you will comfort others when they’re in need,

“Mourn with those that mourn and be God’s people, indeed!”

They found such joy in the church they were members of

That their hearts were knit together in peace and love.

They were generous of their own free will to those

Who found themselves in need of money, food or clothes.

Alma ordained teachers and priests who then went forth.

He made it quite clear they should work for their support.

All of this was done in the borders of the land

At a beautiful, blessed place known as “Mormon.”

But when King Noah heard of this he sent his men

To stop the so-called “rebellion” and destroy them.

When they heard the king’s army was headed their way 

All four hundred and fifty of them ran away

Mosiah 19

Some of King Noah’s people were angry with him.

One especially angry man was Gideon.

Gideon had sworn that he’d slay the wicked king

And he would have but Lamanites were attacking!

King Noah convinced Gideon to spare his life

So that he could lead his men, their children and wives.

But when Lamanites caught up with them, Noah said,

“Leave your wives and children!” And some of the men fled.

The Lamanites offered the rest mercy, which meant

They would have to pay taxes of fifty percent.

Limhi was among them and, though he loved his dad,

He knew that his father’s behavior had been bad.

Not long after, Limhi learned that his dad had died.

He’d been burned, as Abinadi had prophesied.

All those men who’d followed him wanted to return.

Noah tried to stop them and that’s why he was burned.

His priests ran away and so they escaped the flames. 

You’ll soon see the problems for which they’d be to blame!

Mosiah 20

Limhi became king now that his father was gone.

They had peace for two years; nothing was going on.

But the Lamanites came to fight their people when

Noah’s wicked priests kidnapped 24 maidens.

Limhi’s people fought them and even drove them back.

Finally they learned what had made them all attack.

Limhi told the king of the Lamanites to cease,

“We are innocent!  Your girls are with Noah’s priests!”

So the Lamanites ended their hostilities

And for a short time, they all dwelt again in peace.

Mosiah 21

But the Lamanites were soon treating them like dirt—

Bossing them around and hitting them so it hurt.

These afflictions became so great for Limhi’s men

That they asked King Limhi if they could fight again.

Limhi was reluctant but said that they could go.

They were beaten soundly and left many widows.

They fought two more times and each time they were beaten,

So they turned to God, since they felt so defeated.

They became a church, much like Alma and his band:

Making covenants that they’d follow God’s commands.

All day long they prayed, asking help from God on High

But since they’d delayed, God was slow to hear their cry.

Over time He helped them to prosper by degrees

And He lightened their loads but didn’t set them free.

Ammon was distraught when he heard of Limhi’s plight,

So he helped them come up with a way to take flight.

Mosiah 22

Now we’ll learn how Limhi’s people would all break free

From the people who held them in captivity.

All of their attempts to escape ended in tears

Until Ammon came.  They’d been waiting many years.

Then his captain, Gideon, said unto the king,

“All the guards on the back gate are always drinking.

“If we bring them wine as a present and they drink

“We can all depart from here faster than you’d think!”

Limhi and his people followed Gideon’s plan

And they all escaped, every child, woman and man.

Since he knew the way, Ammon’s guidance was employed.

They were welcomed to Zarahemla with great joy.

© 2020 by N. Noelle Maes