Helaman 1 - 4

This week we used our readings as a springboard to discuss the geographical transitions in Nephite society/civilization.

Starting with 1st Nephi, we looked at the original landing by Lehi and his family.  The land of Nephi, or the "land of first inheritance" was home to Nephite civilization until the migration of Mosiah1 to the land of Zarahemla, which took place around 200 B.C. From this time on, Lamanite civilization controlled this area.  The principal city was the city of Lehi-Nephi, which was settled by Nephi1 after he fled from his bethren (2Ne 2:5-8).  Significantly, there was a temple located in this land, as we see from 2 Ne 5:16:

Whilst there are many artists' impressions of Herod's Temple,
there are fewer of what King Solomon's Temple could
have looked like ...

"And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine."

Around 200 B.C. Mosiah1 moved the centre of Nephite civilization (Omni 1:12-13)

Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—

And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.

This era lasted until the early A.D. years, and was characterised by "innovation, growth, expansion and inspiration" ... and missionary work, as we remember from the ministry of Alma the younger and the sons of Helaman!

As with the Land of Nephi, there was a temple in Zarahemla, as we see in Mosiah 1:18:

"And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together, to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak unto them."

In Helaman, we come to the third "geographical" era of Nephite civilization.

The period we cover in Helaman 1 - 4 is a transition period, where the city of Zarahemla is taken by Lamanite forces, then re-taken by the Nephites. Subsequent to this upheaval, Nephites begin to migrate to the "land Northwards" (Helaman 3). The centre of Nephite civilization gravitates ends up in Bountiful, a new Temple City.  It is here, at the Temple site that the Saviour will appear and four generations of righteousness ensue.  (The fourth era starts around 200 A.D. - but more on that later!).

Our class notes from the lesson outline our discussion:

References:
Dennis L. Largey, (Ed), Book of Mormon Reference Companion,