Alma 8-12
20 June 2004

I. Alma 8
–Read verse 10, which describes Alma’s work among the people of Ammonihah (am-uh-nI-‘ha). ‘Wrestling’ was also used to describe Enos’ prayer, as well as Jacob wrestling with a messenger from God. What does this word tell you about their experience with God, and how is this relevant to your own relationship with God?
–summary: in verses 11-13, the people tell him that they don’t have to listen to him because he isn’t the high priest anymore, and they kick him out
–Read verses 14-16, looking for what you can learn from the angel about encouraging other people in righteousness.
–Other comments?
–Note the descriptions: ‘weighed down’, ‘wading’, etc. But then ‘lift up.’ I sense that Alma feels like a failure, but that God is very aware of what he is going through.
–summary: Alma is sent to Amulek, who feeds and shelters him, and then they begin to preach together
–Ask: why didn’t the Lord send Amulek to Alma in the first place? Why let him get kicked out and depressed? What is the lesson for you here?

II. Alma 9
–summary: Alma is preaching to the people
–Read verses 2 and 6, which is their response to his preaching. Then read 10:3, which is after Amulek has preached. The manual makes a big point of the idea of having more than one witness. Why is this so important? Why does it matter to these people? Does it matter to you?
–(if time) read verses 15-17, which describes the condition of the Lamanites, and consider how this principle operates today
–Read verse 26, considering the qualities of Jesus Christ that are listed. Which one resonates the most with you and why? Which one have you really struggled to develop? How does this description square with the destruction fire-and-brimstone of the preceding verses?

III. Alma 10
–summary: this is now Amulek preaching
–Read verses 2-3. Notice how we are teased with the story of Aminadi, a descendent of Nephi, who has this amazing experience that we never hear anything about. Why do you think we get this teaser? What should we learn from it? (Thought: perhaps the purpose is to suggest the riches of Nephite history that we don’t have. Also note Daniel 5:16, Daniel also interpreted writing on the wall of the Temple.)
–Read verses 4-7, looking for what you learn about Amulek. What stands out?
–he is prominent (verse 4) but humble (verse 7)
–‘I was called many times’–God is merciful
–‘I knew . . . yet I would not know’–what does this mean?
–Read verses 13-18, looking for the description of the lawyers. (Ask and hide under the table.) Ask: why do lawyers get such a bad rap in the Book of Mormon? What is the message for today and what happens if you liken these verses to yourself?
–not for being lawyers, but for using those techniques out of context; apply to today
–not for being learned, but using the techniques of a teacher and persuader to lead others away from Christ

IV. Alma 11
–summary: review of Nephite monetary system, and then dialogue between Amulek and Zeezrom. This material is very important, etc., so we will spend the rest of the time talking about Nephite money. Just kidding.
–seriously, though, my approach to the BoM is that you don’t carve something on metal unless it is reeeaaaally important. Verses 5-19 challenge that. (Why not just say Zeezrom offered him buckets of money?) Is my premise wrong, or is there something important about the monetary system here?
–divide class in half: one half consider what Amulek says in order to determine how to respond to the unrighteous, the other side read Zeezrom in order to discover what kinds of attacks the unrighteous (or, sometimes, our own inner voices) make
–read verses 21-44 and discuss.

V. Alma 12
–Read verse 8, noting how Zeezrom has changed. What evidence is there of his change?
–(if time) read verse 24 and talk about how taking the view that this life is a probationary time changes concrete things/attitudes/etc. in your life

Here’s some more, from my old Institute lesson, that I thought was interesting but didn’t fit for SS:

I. Alma meets Amulek
Read Alma 8:13, 14, 16, and 18. What can you learn from comparing Alma with Jonah?
Read Alma 8:19-20. Read 10:5-11, looking for the differences in Amulek’s account. What does Alma’s account emphasize? What does Amulek’s account emphasize? Consider 10:6: What are some ways people ‘knew . . . but did not know?’