I decided to look at the Context of Communication.
2:Passage Analyzed:
Mosiah 12:2-5 (page 205)
3: Annotated Text:
4: Breakdown:
Abinadi has come back to preach to the people of Zeniff, disguised so the people don't recognize him. The people of Zeniff are very prideful over their triumph over the Lamanites, and Abinadi is warning them of the tribulations that will come if they continue in transgression. The speaker is the Lord through Abinadi, with the secondary audience being to the readers of the Book Of Mormon in the Latter Days.
5: Interpretations:
The prophesizing is written in poetry form, which makes it different than the rest of the speakers. Because is has come from the Lord, it is poetic and esteemed more sacred, and deserves a different layout. The word choice, such as "devour their flesh" and "have burdens lashed upon their backs" suggests terrible circumstances.
6: Connections:
This kind of approach makes the readers fear God and provide a witness against them for their iniquity.
The word choice also provides some questions. The word "lashed" seems more frightening and terrifying to the audience rather than "draped upon." How would the whole Book of Mormon change if the chastisement of Heavenly Father was not as bold and terrifying? How would history have played out, and the actions of so many people changed - especially Alma the Younger, whose chastisement changed his heart and helped him become a prophet - if Heavenly Father simply beat around the bush?
