Alma Chapter 35

** IMPORTANT NOTE ** At the end of this chapter, Alma describes the buildup of the beginning of a series of major wars that are to come between the Nephites and the Lamanites (Chapters 43-62). Therefore, from a chronological standpoint, after Chapter 35, the next chapter would be 43. The chapters in between (chapters 36-42) are a separate record of advice given by Alma's to his three sons. Mormon includes these chapters 36-42, before returning to include the wars hinted to in this chapter.

Summary:  

Alma's and Amulek's preaching begins to convert many and thus undermines the priest craft of the Zoramites. The Zoramites get angry and expel the converts for their land. These people join Ammon's people in Jershon. The unconverted Zoramites begin to mix with the Lamanites and they all get angry with the former Zoramites that were converted. They begin to discuss words of word onto them and all of the Nephites since they cause them to be converted. Meanwhile, seeing this large group of Zoramites/Lamanites are coming to war against them, the people of Ammon and the converted Zoramites' leave Jershon and let the armies of the Nephites there to content with the oncoming Lamanites. Alma is grieved by the wickedness of the people and forsees the bloodshed that is come from the future wars. He gathers his three sons to give them counsel.

Lessons Taught/To be Learned: (no specific lessons for this chapter)

Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):

"15 Now Alma, being grieved for the iniquity of his people, yea for the wars, and the bloodsheds, and the contentions which were among them; and having been to declare the word, or sent to declare the word, among all the people in every city; and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful."

"16 Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. And we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according to his own record."