"My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us."
Think about it. How many times has the Lord compared His children to sheep in the scriptures? In a way, Ammon did exactly the same thing with king Lamoni's sheep that he had come to do (and did) among king Lamoni's people.
"Let us go in search of the flocks..." Ammon and his brethren and the others who went with him went among the Lamanites to find those who would hear the gospel.
"... and we will gather them together..." The Lamanites who were converted unto Christ and His gospel began to worship in their own homes and lands. However, the day came when they had to gather as a group and make a decision as to where to go.
"... and bring them back unto the place of water..." Christ is the living water. In part, this was about bringing them to Christ. But there was also a sense of physically bringing them back. Those who were not converted took their weapons of war and came against the new converts. For their protection, they were physically brought back and given inheritance among the Nephites.
"... and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us." Ammon and his brethren did preserve the flocks. As already stated, they taught the gospel and repentance, and they led them to a physical place of safety. The preservation continued in both spiritual and physical ways. The gospel continued to be preached among them. But also, when the Lamanites came up on the Nephites and upon the people of Ammon (now living among the Nephites), the Nephites protected them and would not allow them to break their covenant by taking their weapons of war. The "flocks" were preserved for the King--for Christ--and, as promised to king Mosiah before his sons left, Ammon and his brethren and the converts ultimately received eternal life.
It seems so obvious. How have I missed it for so many years? It makes the story that much more beautiful. Working with the flocks was not just about serving king Lamoni. It was a parallel to Ammon's real purpose and mission among the Lamanites. It was really exciting to make that connection as I read today!
Thanks for your wonderful insights. I am so glad that you shared, and I am glad that you can express yourself so well.
ReplyDeleteI also had some insights into this chapter a few years ago in connection with our youth and new members. Are we surrounding the flock so that enemies cannot break through? Do we do this in our homes? Is this done at schools? Etc.
(I especially thought of those who use youth to traffic their drugs and such. Why has this always been allowed. Why aren't our youth protected? I think that this is one of the great reasons for having Seminary. Parents also need to monitor what comes into their homes and their children's associations.)
Our purpose is to help to return the flock, all of our Heavenly Father's children to Him, to the pasture of the King. We need to encircle them about with goodness to do so, and pray for them, and help them to put on the whole armor of God, and provide a place (or pasture) where they can return every day and feel strengthened and whole again.