By Rebecca
Gideon*
Mosiah 19:4–8, Mosiah 20:17–22, Mosiah 22:3–9, Alma 1:8–10
Gideon was a faithful Nephite leader who opposed the wicked king Noah. As recorded by ancient prophets in The Book of Mormon, he chased King Noah up a tower to kill him yet spared his life so Noah could help his people escape the enemy Lamanites who had entered their lands. Unfortunately, Noah and several men fled for their own safety and left the women and children behind. Gideon remained to face the Lamanites and agreed to pay heavy taxes and submit to their rule. After the Lamanites had taken control of his people, Gideon searched for Noah in the wilderness. He discovered that King Noah had been burned to death by dissenters, and his priests had escaped.
When the Lamanite daughters were abducted, Gideon, captain of king Limhi’s army, reminded his king that Noah’s priests were still at large and were probably the ones who did it. Thus, king Limhi was able to persuade the Lamanite king, whom they had captured, that he and his people were not the guilty ones. The Lamanite king persuaded his people that Limhi and his people were not to blame, and they were pacified toward them Every Person in the Book of Mormon by Lynn F. Price (Horizon Publishers, 2004, 53-54).
Gideon was a righteous advisor to King Limhi (Noah’s son). He obeyed God’s commandments and became God’s instrument to help his people escape from their captors.
[King Limhi’s people] did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitting themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies. And they did humble themselves even in the depths of humility; and they did cry mightily to God; yea, even all the day long did they cry unto their God that he would deliver them out of their afflictions. [1]
God doesn’t always deliver His people from afflictions the way they expect Him to. Fortunately, God answered their prayers and delivered Gideon’s people to safety. Gideon proposed the plan to escape through the back of the city towards the land of Zarahemla by getting the Lamanite guards very drunk. His plan was successful, and he guided his people to safety and freedom without a single fatality.
The Book of Mormon tells us that Gideon was a bold teacher for Christ’s church. In 91 B.C., he stood up for his Christian beliefs and challenged the false teachings of an apostate named Nehor, who preached false doctrines and led many people away from the truth. At the time, Gideon was an old man, and Nehor killed him out of anger. Gideon lived his beliefs and had faith in God up until his death. Gideon stood up for his beliefs and had courage. The Bible teaches, “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 31:6). The modern prophet has counseled—
It is our fervent prayer that you will remain steadfast and valiant throughout your lives and that you will trust in the Savior and His promises. As you do this, you will be an influence for good in helping to build the kingdom of God and prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. [1]
*This article was adapted from the LDS Guide to the Scriptures and Every Person in the Book of Mormon by Lynn F. Price (Horizon Publishers, 2004, 53-54).
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