King Benjamin: Master Orator

My section of the Book of Mormon for our class (pages 171-191, which is Mormon and the first five chapters of Mosiah) is almost entirely spoken word. Mosiah chapter one documents his words to his sons, and also his words specifically to his son Mosiah (dialogue). Chapter two is the record of King Benjamin's speech to his people (the people of Zarahemla and the people of Mosiah; this is sermon). Chapter three is a continuation of his sermon, though he is quoting an angel. Chapter four gives his people some time to react then King Benjamin continues his speech. The people speak in chapter five (this is technically dialogue, but feels like prayer?) and then King Benjamin closes his sermon.

King Benjamin uses two beautiful examples of stylistic language in this section of the Book of Mormon. The first comes in chapter two, when addressing his people:

"Open your ears that ye may hear,
and your hearts that ye may understand,
and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view."

Grant Hardy aligned that passage separately from the rest of the text to illustrate its different form. This last part "unfolded to your view" catches the reader's attention; it does not use overly descriptive language, yet it has an element of style that shows the mysteries are tangible lessons and revelations available to those who follow King Benjamin's instructions.

The second use of stylistic language that I will analyze in this section comes in chapter four:

"....ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain..."

Let's read that again: "putteth up his petition to you in vain."

What a stark, sobering phrase. This stylistic language draws to mind both the many homeless people and the girl who never has someone to sit by in Relief Society and looks at you every week with an unspoken plea for company in her eyes.

We each petition to God for so much, yet we often miss the petitions His children are sending us. King Benjamin reminds us of our responsibility to be hands for the Savior through simple, though stylistic, language.

From Kings to Judges

Spoken word in Mosiah chapters 25-29

Mosiah 26:11-12 Mosiah and Alma converse

Mosiah 26:15-32 Lord talks to Alma

Mosiah 27:13-16 Angel speaks to Alma the younger

Mosiah 27:24-31 Alma the younger speaks about God

Mosiah 28:7 Lord speaks to Mosiah

Mosiah 29:5-32 Mosiah speaks to his people

Passage Analyzed Mosiah 28:5-32

In this passage King Mosiah speaks with his people and tells them that he is to step down as king and that those whom should follow him have declined the title. He then goes on to persuade them to stop having a king and to develop a new government.

In this passage Mosiah mostly uses pathos and logos to help persuade his people to make such a radical change. He begin his speech using pathos, striving to catch the audiences emotions by explaining that his son denied the throne and if they forced it upon him, it would destroy him. As he said this I’m sure his people felt that he was right and that it would be immoral to force something like that on someone who didn’t want it.  

Mosiah then continues his persuasion with logos, trying to reason with his people. He explains that if all kings were righteous that having kings would be a great thing. But he continues by explain that all men are not just, and that it is not expedient that they should have a king to rule over them. He then goes onto explain that wicked kings cause destruction and great iniquity. This message speaks to the common sense of his listeners. They have a great king explaining that if they continue having kings then they could lose their freedom and their faith. 

Through the use of pathos and logos King Mosiah is able to convince his people to give up ruler ship over a king, something that they had always known, and elect judges. This would have been an immensely difficult task but by using great rhetorical techniques he was able to speak to the heart of his people and help them make a radical change to their government.