Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Fourteen

King Benjamin's Reign and Ministry to Establish Righteousness or Zion

The beginning of Benjamin’s reign as king is recorded at the end of the Book of Omni – Amaleki was the last record keeper who wrote on the small plates of Nephi.  He lived during the days of Mosiah1, and he recorded what we know of that period of Nephite history (Vs 1-22).  He lived to see the reign of king Benjamin (Vs 23).  Amaleki then gives in one verse all the information we have about the beginning of the reign of king Benjamin.  He informs us that after Benjamin became king there was “a serious war and much bloodshed between the Nephites and the Lamanites” and “the Nephites did obtain much advantage over them; yea insomuch that king Benjamin did drive them out of the land of Zarahemla” (Vs 24).

The end of Benjamin’s ministry as high priest is recorded in Mosiah 1-5 – Mosiah 1 tells us of Benjamin’s teaching to his sons.  Mosiah 2-5 is his great benedictory sermon.  We are very fortunate that Benjamin had this sermon written, disseminated, and preserved.  (See Mosiah 2:8)  Approximately 500 years later Mormon included this sermon in his record and we have it today.    

This sermon is a great scriptural master-piece.  It is primarily what king Benjamin in known and remembered for.  It was the final instructions and testimony of a most remarkable prophet.

The Words of Mormon gives great insights about the major portion of the reign and ministry of king Benjamin – In only seven verses (Words of Mormon 1:12-18) we have all that we know of the major accomplishments of the reign and ministry of this great prophet-king.  We wish we had more detail of Benjamin’s life, but we have enough to make important comparisons.    

Similarities between king Benjamin, Enoch, Melchizedek, and captain Moroni – These men were all great prophets and transformative leaders, and there are fascinating similarities in their ministries.  (See Benjamin in Words of Mormon 1:12-18; Enoch in Moses 6-7; Melchizedek in JST Genesis 14:25-40; Moroni in Alma 46:11-41, 48:7-17).  These references show that each of these men:

• Led their people from wickedness and contention and brought them to repentance
• Defended their people against their enemies with the strength of the Lord
• Established peace or Zion and united their people in great righteousness 

Establishing righteousness, peace and Zion in our homes – One of the most important responsibilities of a Melchizedek priesthood holder is to establish righteousness, sometimes referred to as Zion, among those he works with or presides over.  Righteousness is an essential condition for spiritual progress.  The time and circumstances were such that the people of Enoch and the people of Melchizedek were translated. The people of Benjamin and Moroni were not translated but they established righteousness and peace and a Zion society. 

People in our day are not likely to be translated, however, like Benjamin our prophets and apostles, bishops and stake presidents, priesthood quorum and relief society leaders, and exemplary fathers and mothers “labor with all the might of [their] body and the faculty of [their] whole soul” (Words of Mormon 1:18) to establish righteousness and peace among those who they love and serve. 

Most importantly, righteous fathers and mothers strive to establish peace and righteousness in their homes and create a small “city of Zion”.  Like Benjamin, Enoch, Melchizedek, and Moroni this is accomplished through service and sacrifice.