Primary children sing “Hosanna” when they learn about Samuel the Lamanite. In Hebrew Hosanna means “save now,” which brings added enthusiasm to the refrain “Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord was born; Let earth receive her King!” Samuel did tell of baby Jesus and today we will study his prophecy and how the people reacted in Helaman 13–16.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Helaman 15:12 (The Lord is merciful)
Mormon 5:20-21 (The Lord hears prayers)
Hebraism:
Helaman 13:1-3, 8,11 ex. Voice of the Lord came unto him (Revelation formula of prophetic speech)
Words of the General Authorities:
God is in relentless pursuit of you. He “wants all of His children to choose to return to Him,” and He employs every possible measure to bring you back. (Patrick Kearon, “God’s Intent Is to Bring You Home”, April 2024 General Conference)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Helaman 13:11-12 (Call to repentance)
Helaman 13:17,19-21,28-39 (Bold call to repentance)
Mormon 1:18-19 (Slippery treasures)
Words of the General Authorities:
There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself…the promise is that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory." (D&C 21:6.) (Harold B. Lee, October 1970 General Conference, page 152 of Conference reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Study Helps:
"Slippery Treasures" in the Book of Mormon: A Concept from the Ancient World (Insights, June 2000)
Why Did Samuel Say the Wealth of Some Nephites Would Become “Slippery”? (Scripture Central KnoWhy #539, November 7, 2019)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Helaman 13:6-11, Helaman 14:15-19 (Repent, repent)
Helaman 15:7-8 (Faith and repentance brings a change of heart)
D&C 19:16 (God suffered so we don’t have to)
Words of the General Authorities:
When Jesus asks you and me to “repent,” He is inviting us to change our mind, our knowledge, our spirit—even the way we breathe. He is asking us to change the way we love, think, serve, spend our time, treat our wives, teach our children, and even care for our bodies.
Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. (Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better”, April 2019 General Conference)
Discover the joy of daily repentance. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum”, April 2022 General Conference)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Helaman 14:2-8 (Samuel the Lamanite announces Christ’s birth)
Helaman 14:14-15,20-21 (Sign of Christ’s death)
Words of the General Authorities:
Jesus Christ is the light of the world because he is the source of the light that quickens our understanding, because his teachings and his example illuminate our path, and because his power persuades us to do good. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Light and Life of the World”, October 1987 General Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Helaman 15:3 (Who the Lord loves, He chastens)
Chastening Scripture Chain:
Job 5:17
Psalm 94:12
2 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 12:5-9
Mosiah 23:21-22
Helaman 12:3
Ether 2:14
D&C 1:27
D&C 95:1
D&C 101:2-5
D&C 105:6
D&C 136:31
Segment 6
Scriptures:
Helaman 16:15 (Pride in your strength and wisdom)
Helaman 16:6 (They didn’t believe Samuel)
Mosiah 4:10 (If you believe, do)
Helaman 16:10 (The lesser part was righteous)
View transcript here.