Interestingly, the account of Samuel's visit to the Nephites (as we have it) would not have been complete except for an admonition from the Savior to the disciples (specifically to Nephi) that the entirety of Samuel's words be recorded.
"Has the world ever seen a more classic example of indomitable will, of faith and courage than that displayed by Samuel the Prophet: "One of the Lamanites who did observe strictly to keep the commandments of God . . . ". Visualize, if you can, this despised Lamanite standing on the walls of Zarahemla and while arrows and stones were shot at him, crying out to his white accusers that the sword of justice hung over them. So righteous was he that God sent an angel to visit him. His predictions were fulfilled in due time relating to the early coming of Christ, his ministry, death and resurrection, and the eventual destruction of these Nephite people. So great faith had he that the multitudes could not harm him until his message was delivered and so important was his message that subsequently the Savior required a revision of the records to include his prophecies concerning the resurrection of the Saints"1The scripture to which President Kimball refers is 3 Nephi 23:9-13. The savior lovingly but emphatically reminds the disciples that they were in error for not including the prophecy of Samuel regarding the return of many saints from the dead. This may not necessarily have any sort of doctrinal implications in the strictest sense. But it is noteworthy that the Savior made such a point to say "This must be included." Perhaps the doctrinal significance may be that the words of the prophets must be recorded.
Rejection seems to be a fairly common theme for prophets. While reading verse two, I was reminded of the same sort of rejection experienced by Alma during his visit to the city of Ammonihah (Alma 8). It would be par for the course. Alma had things to tell the people of that city regarding their wrongs. Similarly, Samuel had come not only to proclaim the message of the coming Messiah, but also to speak by way of condemnation. Alma was reviled, spit upon and finally cast out (it would seem forcefully) from Ammonihah. Samuel was also cast out and, as we shall read later, was shot at with arrows and spears. Now, naturally, our present day prophets don't frequently have people spit upon them or hurl deadly projectiles at them...but, their words of council, wisdom, doctrine and occasionally rebuke are no less disregarded. Certainly I don't believe that there are many members of the church that are so stung by the words of the prophet that they would launch a spear at him...but, I know that there are those who say that he is wrong or that he is off base, out of touch or out of line. I'm certain that many Nephites said the same of Alma and Samuel.
Another strong doctrinal point that is made in this set of verses is that of the concept of revelation. The scripture states that Samuel prophesied "whatsoever things should come into his heart." We know from D&C 8:2-3 that the Lord tell us in our mind and in our heart the things that are important for us to know, do and say. This speaking to the combination of mind and heart is described by the Lord as the "spirit of revelation." There are numerous places within the scripture and particularly the Doctrine and Covenants that tell us to "open [our] mouth[s]."
Regarding the concept of speaking "whatsoever things should come into his heart," Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet wrote:
This phrase is an appropriate description of the spirit of revelation. The Lord told Oliver Cowdery that he would be told things in his mind and in his heart, while Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were directed by the Lord to lift up their voices and "speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts." With this direction came the promise that they would not be confounded. Such was the nature of the revelation Joseph Smith had that led him to the Sacred Grove. Describing the feelings that he experienced when he read James 1:5 he said: "Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again."2
There is a lot to be gleaned from just these introductory verses. Samuel is a prophet who is somewhat ephemeral. His appearance was brief and momentous. He is certainly one of the most memorable people from the Book of Mormon because of his courageous declaration of the things that were in his heart, including his very detailed prophecy regarding the coming of Christ.
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1. Spencer W. Kimball, Conference Report, April 1949, pp. 103-113
2. Joseph Fielding McConkie and Robert L. Millet, Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, vol. 3, p. 400
1 comment:
You said in your post: "but, I know that there are those who say that he is wrong or that he is off base, out of touch or out of line. I'm certain that many Nephites said the same of Alma and Samuel."
I have never actually heard anyone speak directly against the prophet in the church. I assuming anyone that did is less active and doesn't hear what the prophet says anyways. Else what would they say--"his ideas on charity are outdated." There are only a few principles that people are likely to find contention with and actually admit to themselves that they have a contention with it. I once heard a talk on my mission that was to the effect: the people don't reject the prophets in our day, they just ignore him. I would add that people are less likely to consciously disregard the prophet (if they come to church), but they make choices that inevitably result in not being able to follow commandments. Our downfall is partially the result of our lack of experience and wisdom about consequences and partially the result of our choosing to seek fulfillment and answers through means equally appealing as those given by the Lord
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