Mosiah I
Mosiah I is one of two prominent figures in the Book of Mormon that have the name "Mosiah." Mosiah I is the grandfather of Mosiah II, and is mentioned in only a few places in the record. He is known for leading the Nephite people out of the Land of Nephi and subsequently discovering Zarahemla and its inhabitants. He later became king of the Nephites, and was succeeded by his son King Benjamin.
History
Little is known of Mosiah I's life within the land of Nephi, though it can be presumed that he was born and raised there. His entire history is detailed in the Book of Omni by its final author, Amaleki. From him, we learn that Mosiah I was "warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi," and apparently was able to convince many people to follow him in his exodus. As they traveled in the wilderness, they were "led by many preachings and prophesyings." After an undetermined amount of time, Mosiah and his followers discovered a group of people that were neither Nephites nor Lamanites, but rather inhabitants of a land called Zarahemla.[1]
Mosiah I continued to demonstrate his skills in leadership, for upon meeting these new people he sought to work together. The people of Zarahemla were descended from a group that had departed Jerusalem at around the same time as Lehi and his family hundreds of years prior. Unlike Lehi's family, however, this other group had not been able to bring written records of their language, such as the brass plates. Due to this, those living in Zarahemla no longer spoke the language of their fathers. Seeing this, Mosiah I instructed the people to be taught in the language of the Nephites, allowing the two groups to understand one another. The original residents of Zarahemla and their newly adopted Nephite companions merged together as one unified people, and they consequently appointed Mosiah I to be their king.[2]
Apart from being a leader of men in a governmental capacity, it is also apparent that Mosiah I was a spiritual guide to the people as well. The residents of Zarahemla brought forth a "large stone...with engravings on it," and Mosiah I was able to translate it "by the gift and power of God."[3]