In this blog post, I have decided to analyze the literary context surrounding Alma's counsel to his son Corianton.
2. Passage Analyzed
Within my section (Alma 38-46), I focused my analysis on Chapter 39 verses 1-4 where Alma sets up the context for the counseling and reproving remarks on repentance, the afterlife, and the final judgement to his son Corianton.
1 And now, my son, I have somewhat more to say unto thee than what I said unto thy brother; for behold, have ye not observed the steadiness of thy brother, his faithfulness, and his diligence in keeping the commandments of God? Behold, has he not set a goodexample for thee?
2 For thou didst not give so much heed unto my words as did thy brother, among the people of the Zoramites. Now this is what I have against thee; thou didst go on unto boasting in thy strength and thy wisdom.
3 And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel.
4 Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was no excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted.
3. Annotated Text
4. Breakdown / List of Things Found
Alma is speaking to his son and reproving him for "forsaking the ministry" and not giving as much heed to his words. Alma is speaking to his son Corianton who is back home in Zarahemla after returning home from a mission with his brothers. Corianton had not been faithful in his duties as a minister like his brothers and did commit sexual sin with a Lamanite harlot. In chapter 35 it says that a war had begun in the land between the Nephites and the Lamanites. It is also narrated in chapter 35 that Alma had been "greived for the iniquity of his people , yea for the wars, and the bloodsheds;" so he caused his sons to be gathered so he could individually speak with them and give them counsel.
5. Interpretation
Alma lays down some reasoning for his upcoming reproof to his disobedient son. As I read the context of the situation in prior chapters, and more specifics in chapter 39, I could better understand why Alma was so direct to his son Corianton. It must have been devastating to Alma to hear that his son had been misusing his time as a missionary and sinning with those with whom they were at violent war.
6. Connections / Questions
I wonder how Corianton responded to his father's counsel. Are there other times of discipline or chastisement to family members in the Book of Mormon? This makes me wonder if Alma had to speak with Corianton on other occasions about his disobedience.
