Mosiah 19 - 25

In these chapters we read about the captivity and bondage of two groups of people and their deliverance by the hand of the Lord. The circumstances of their captivity and bondage are in great contrast. So also is the nature of their deliverance. But in both cases, each were dependent upon the Lord.

Of the first group, Limhi tells his people -

"...it is because of our iniquities and abominations that [God] has brought us into bondage..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 7:20)

And it was because of their hardships and burdens placed on this people that motivated them to come to the Lord for -

"...the afflictions of the Nephites were great, and there was no way that they could deliver themselves out of their hands, for the Lamanites had surrounded them on every side." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:5)

There attempts were to fight their way out of bondage and -

"...they gathered themselves together again, and put on their armor, and went forth against the Lamanites to drive them out of their land.
8 And it came to pass that the Lamanites did beat them, and drove them back, and slew many of them." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:7 - 8)

Even went to battle to -

"...the third time, and suffered in the like manner..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:12)

And with these losses they were forced to submit -

"...themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:13)

And in this condition -

"...they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:14)

And because they were slow to do his will -

"...the Lord was slow to hear their cry because of their iniquities..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:15)

But nonetheless, because of their sincere humility and repentance -

"...the Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens; yet the Lord did not see fit to deliver them out of bondage." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:15)

And because of their brief repentance -

"...they began to prosper by degrees in the land, and began to raise grain more abundantly, and flocks, and herds, that they did not suffer with hunger." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:16)

As they began to prosper and their burdens eased, they did not forget the Lord for they -

"...entered into a covenant with God... to serve him and keep his commandments." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 21:32)

It was in these conditions that Ammon and others discovered them and by strategy enabled their escape and guided them to the land of Zarahemla.

Of these people, Mosiah later said -

"And were it not for the interposition of their all–wise Creator, and this because of their sincere repentance, they must unavoidably remain in bondage until now.
20 But behold, he did deliver them because they did humble themselves before him; and because they cried mightily unto him he did deliver them out of bondage; and thus doth the Lord work with his power in all cases among the children of men, extending the arm of mercy towards them that put their trust in him." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:19 - 20)

The second group were those repentant believers that had followed Alma. This group, in contrast to the first were living righteously in happiness and peace in the land of Helam, when they were brought into bondage. But even the righteous are tried and tested where Mormon teaches -

"...Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:21)

Why? For -

"...whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:22)

"...and thus it was with this people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 23:22)

But because of the diligence and righteousness of this group, their deliverance was more of both a spiritual and miraculous nature than that of Limhi's people.

With the people of Alma in Helam, Amulon -

"...exercised authority over them, and put tasks upon them, and put task–masters over them...and... great were their afflictions..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:9 - 10)

And as they continued in great prayer -

"...Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:11)

And with that the people -

"...did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:12)

Because of this people's great faith -

"...the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:13 - 15)

I think these verses are of great significance. In the situation of Limhi's people, we learn their relief was more of a physical or temporal nature in that they did start to prosper. The Lord did not necessarily make their burden light. But in the case of the faithful and righteous people of Alma, in their day of trial, he did make their burden light in the people were cheerful and patient in their day of trial. I'll bet their cheerfullness must have drove Amulon crazy.

And in contrast to the deliverance of Limhi's people by stragedy, the deliverance of the people of Alma was by miracle for -

"...the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage...Now it came to pass that Alma and his people in the night–time gathered their flocks together, and also of their grain; yea, even all the night–time were they gathering the flocks together.
19 And in the morning the Lord caused a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, yea, and all their task–masters were in a profound sleep.
20 And Alma and his people departed into the wilderness..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:16 - 20)

And later -

"...they arrived in the land of Zarahemla; and king Mosiah did also receive them with joy." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:25)

I feel the lesson here is that none are free from hardships and trials, but dependent of our faithfulness in keeping the commandments and calling upon the Lord, will determine how quick he will hear our prayers and provide a means of deliverance.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (New Testament Matthew 11:28 - 30)