Helaman 13-16 Samuel the Lamanite

Helaman 13:1-11 The Sword of Justice

Samuel the Lamanite preached from the wall of the city.

The tables of the story line have turned. The Nephites who were once white and delightsome both spiritually and physically have become corrupted. The Lamanites who were dark and loathsome, both spiritually and physically, are sending prophets to the Nephites to exhort them to repent. Find phrases spoken by Samuel the Lamanite which show what will happen to the Nephites if they do not repent. How is the Lord showing compassion to these wicked people.?

Helaman 13:12-16 Ripe for Destruction

Many times in scripture the Lord makes reference to the fact that people are ripe for destruction. What does it mean when fruit is ripe? What are the characteristics of ripe fruit as opposed to fruit that is not ripe? What does it mean to be “ripe” for destruction? According to verses 13-14 why has the Lord not already destroyed the wicked Nephites? Cross-reference: Alma 14:7-9; 16:9.

Helaman 13:17-23 Treasures and Riches

Have students find the words “treasures” and “riches”. What did the angel of the Lord tell Samuel to tell the Nephites about their treasures and riches? Cross-reference: Jacob 2:19.

Helaman 13:24-28 Prophets or Men?

Ask students why the Nephites would choose to reject prophets and follow the words or worldly men? Why do people do the same thing today? Cross-reference: Amos 3:7; D&C 1:12-14.

Helaman 13:29-39 It Is Everlastingly Too Late

Samuel the Lamanite taught that there comes a time when the Lord will no longer protect His people. See Helaman 13:14. When is it too late for a person to repent and receive salvation? See Helaman 13:37-38.

Helaman 14:1-13 The Signs of Christ’s Coming

The Lord commanded Samuel, by an angel, to tell the Nephites what the signs would be of the coming of Christ into the world. Have students find the signs mentioned my Samuel. How was the Lord’s mercy shown to the Nephites when He told them of these signs?

Helaman 14:14-19 Repent ye! Repent ye!

Have students explain the connection between the Savior’s death and repentance.

Helaman 14:20-31 The Signs of Christ’s Death

Invite students to list the signs of Christ’s death. Why would the Lord want the people to know of the Savior’s birth and death, even though they lived on the other side of the world from where these events took place? Cross-reference: Jacob 4:4-6.

Helaman 15:1-17 The Character of the Saved

In these verses the Lord lists the qualities of the Lamanites that insure that they shall be saved. Have students search these verses looking for those qualities that the Lamanites possessed.

Helaman 16:13-25 They May Have Guessed Right

As the time for the coming of Christ grew near the signs began to appear. How did the wicked react to the signs? Why did they not believe?

Helaman 13-16 A Foreshadowing of Things to Come

There were signs given before Christ appeared to the Nephites.

The events of these chapters show that the Lord announces the signs of his first coming. Help students understand that He has also given signs concerning his Second Coming. See Zechariah 14:4-9; D&C 88:87-93; Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:33-36; 1 Nephi 14:12-17; 2 Nephi 29:11-14. How are the signs of the Lord’s Second Coming like the signs of His coming among the Nephites?