King Benjamin’s Speech Made Simple

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