Samuel the Lamanite
Samuel the Lamanite was a prophet in the Book of Mormon sent by Lord around 5 B.C. to teach and warn the Nephites just before the Savior's birth. The account is recorded in Helaman 13-16.
Contents
A Prophecy
The Nephites had become wicked while the Lamanites kept the commandments. Samuel began preaching in the land of Zarahemla but was thrown out. The Lord told him to return and prophesy to the people but they would not let him into the city. So he climbed up on a wall and prophesied. Samuel said that within 400 years heavy destruction will come upon the people in the form of the sword, famine, and pestilence unless they repent. Even now Zarahemla is saved from fire from heaven because of the righteous but most of the people will turn against the Lord. The city of Gideon is just as bad as are other nearby Nephite cities.
A Curse
Samuel said:
- And behold, a curse shall come upon the land, saith the Lord of Hosts, because of the peoples' sake who are upon the land, yea, because of their wickedness and their abominations.[1]
Treasures hidden in the earth will not be able to be found again because of the curse. The people are cursed because of their riches that cause them great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and many other crimes. The people cast out the prophets, and mock them, and cast stones at them, and slay them. However, if a man shall come to you and say, "Do this, and there is no iniquity; do that and you shall not suffer—do whatsoever your heart desires", you will receive him, and say that he is a prophet. You will give to him your substance; you will give to him your gold, and of your silver, and you will clothe him with costly apparel.
A Warning
Samuel warned:
- But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.[2]
A Sign
Samuel prophesied of many things but they were not allowed to be recorded. Samuel gave a sign that in five years there would be a night with no darkness—the night before the appearance of the Son of God. A new star would appear along with other heavenly wonders. Those that believe will have everlasting life.
A Death
Samuel talked about a death that would occur—the death of the Savior. At that time there will be thunder and lightning, the sun, moon, and stars will go dark for three days. The rocks will break apart, there will be great earthquakes, roads and cities will be destroyed. Then Jesus will rise again, and many saints will appear from their graves.
A Wall
Many were angry at Samuel and tried to kill him with stones and arrows. From the wall that Samuel stood the Spirit protected him. Many wanted to be baptized and looked for Nephi, Son of Helaman. He was baptizing, prophesying, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, and working miracles.
An Escape
Because stones and arrows were not harming Samuel the people sent their captains to bind hin, accusing him of having a devil. As the people went to bind Samuel, he jumped down from the wall and fled Nephite lands and began to preach and prophesy among the Lamanites. Samuel was never again to go amongst the Nephites.
A Fulfillment
Nephi, Son of Nephi brought the records to the Savior, and he said, "I commanded my servant Samuel, the Lamanite, that he should testify unto this people, that at the day that the Father should glorify his name in me that there were many saints who should arise from the dead, and should appear unto many, and should minister unto them. Was it not so?" His disciples answered, "Lord, Samuel did prophesy according to thy words, and they were all fulfilled."[3]
External Links
- Guide to the Scriptures: Samuel the Lamanite (with references)
- Audio. BYU Book of Mormon Discussions: Episode 43 "Samuel the Lamanite"
- Painting of Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall
