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King Benjamin’s Speech Made Simple

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The speech of King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon is a masterpiece of Christian literature. These inspired words influenced later Book of Mormon prophets for generations, and they continue to reach across time to stir countless people today. King Benjamin’s Speech Made Simple is a popular abridgment of the expansive volume King Benjamin’s Speech: “That Ye May Learn Wisdom.” Prepared with the general reader in mind, this streamlined version presents the essential contents of the original book. Eleven studies examine the classic speech from many angles, viewing it as a manual for Christian discipleship, a coronation and covenant-renewal text, an ancient farewell address, a key part of a religious celebration, a prophetic lawsuit, a masterful oration of stunning structural complexity, and much more. It acquaints readers with a great religious leader whose wisdom, inspired teachings, and parting testimony invite studious attention and lasting admiration. This book is a rich resource, spotlighting and making simple the profound meanings and intriguing complexities of Benjamin’s carefully wrought words.

About the Author & Editor

Stephen D. Ricks

Stephen D. Ricks (Ph.D. in Near Eastern Religions, University of California, Berkeley, and Graduate Theological Union) is Professor of Hebrew and Cognate Learning in the Department of Asian and Near Eastern Languages at Brigham Young University. He served as president of the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies and as chairman of the board, as the founding editor of the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, and as Associate Dean of General Education and Honors at Brigham Young University.

Table of Contents

Introduction

King Benjamin's Sermon: A Manual for Discipleship

Benjamin, the Man: His Place in Nephite History

Benjamin's Speech: A Masterful Oration

Benjamin's Sermon as a Traditional Ancient Farewell Address

Assembly and Atonement

King Benjamin's Speech in the Context of Ancient Israelite Festivals

Benjamin's Speech as a Prophetic Lawsuit

Kingship, Coronation, and Covenant in Mosiah 1–6

Benjamin and the Mysteries of God

Benjamin's Covenant as a Precursor of the Sacrament Prayers

Parallelism and Chiasmus in Benjamin's Speech

Publication Information

Subject: Book of Mormon
Publication Year: 1999
Language: English
ISBN 13: 978-0934893411
Page Count: 320
Price: $ 24.95
Imprint: FARMS