Alma Chapter 37

** IMPORTANT NOTE ** 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 chapter 35.

Summary:

Alma continues his teachings to his son Helaman. He give the plates of brass, other scriptures and the plates of the Jaredites to his son for safekeeping. He teaches that these must be persevered "for a wise purpose". He talks about how the Jaredites were destroyed because they became wicked (see the story of the Jaredites in the Book of Ether). He then describes how the Liahona that directed Nephi to the promised land so to the word of Christ leads mean to eternal life.

Lessons Taught/To be Learned:

The one important lesson this chapter teaches is the importance of the scriptures. The scriptures are designed to "enlarge the memory...convince many of the error of their ways"... and bring us to the knowledge of God and His plan of salvation.

Key Scriptures (italicized and in quotes):

"8 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God that these things should be preserved; for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls."