Alma the Younger and Lehi

Visionary Language

When Alma recounts his dramatic conversion to his son Helaman, he used the words Lehi used to describe his own visionary experience. Alma says, "Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there" (Alma 36:22). Alma specifically mentions Lehi’s experience, and his words precisely match those found in 1 Nephi 1:8.

When Alma speaks of his post-conversion desire to diligently share the gospel message, he draws upon the language of Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. "I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste" (Alma 36:24). Alma’s words evoke Lehi’s description: "And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceeding great joy; wherefore I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also" (1 Nephi 8:12).

Personal application

Alma’s words show a familiarity with Lehi’s teachings and indicate that he pondered the scriptures of his prophetic ancestor. When you read Alma’s words to his son Helaman, identify ways that you can seek to see and hear and know that which Alma experienced, and which brought such exquisite joy into his life.

Alma to Helaman	Lehi
Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there (Alma 36:22).	And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God (1 Nephi 1:8).
I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste (Alma 36:24).	And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceeding great joy; wherefore I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also (1 Nephi 8:12).

The Plan of Happiness

When Alma taught his son Corianton about the plan of happiness, he used the earlier words of father Lehi. Alma taught that repentance could not come unto men unless there was "a punishment,which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul" (Alma 42:16). Similarly, Lehi had said that the "punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed to answer the ends of the atonement" (2 Nephi 2:10).

Personal application

The teachings of Lehi recorded on the plates of Nephi were a blessing to Alma as he counseled his confused and troubled son. As you read Alma’s words, ponder how his words and those of other Book of Mormon prophets can help you counsel your children and others who need it.

Lehi	Alma to Corianton
Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement (2 Nephi 2:10).	Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul (Alma 42:16).

Plates of Brass

When Alma refers to the “plates of brass,” he states that they contain “the genealogy of our forefathers” (Alma 37:3; 1 Nephi 5:14, 16). He also references Lehi’s prophecy that those plates would eventually “go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people” (Alma 37:4; 1 Nephi 5:17–18). Alma also admonishes his son that he must care for the plates so that they may “retain their brightness” (Alma 37:5). Lehi had prophesied that the plates of brass would not “be dimmed any more by time” (1 Nephi 5:19).

Personal application

Alma’s teachings show that he was very familiar with the the prophesies of Lehi regarding the plates brought out of Jerusalem. As you read the words of Alma to Helaman, consider how the Lord prepares a way for his people, including to you. What preparations have you seen in your life that provide you with promised blessings?

Lehi	Alma
And it came to pass that my father, Lehi, also found upon the plates of brass a genealogy of his fathers (1 Nephi 5:14). And thus my father, Lehi, did discover the genealogy of his fathers (1 Nephi 5:16).	And these plates of brass,* which contain these engravings, . . . have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning* (Alma 37:3).
And now when my father saw all these things, he was filled with the Spirit, and began to prophesy concerning his seed— That these plates of brass should go forth unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people who were of his seed" (1 Nephi 5:17–18).	Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they shall go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon (Alma 37:4).
Wherefore, he said that these plates of brass should never perish; neither should they be dimmed any more by time (1 Nephi 5:19).	And now behold, if they are kept they must retain their brightness;* yea, and they will retain their brightness"* (Alma 37:5).