28 But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering;
29 Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest.
I love Alma’s conclusionary invitation to the people. He is very consciously invoking King Benjamin’s famous words: “[b]e led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering.” 

The interesting thing about that of course is that Alma and his family were not there when King Benjamin delivered his speech. This shows how widely this speech must have held a grip on the people. Writing it down likely gave it far greater reach than an oral speech would have. And it is likely that key segments were memorized or recited in ritual contexts.

Alma likely invokes King Benjamin here not only for spiritual but also political and pragmatic reasons. King Benjamin’s speech unified a divided people. But now the cracks are showing as the people of Ammoniah deride and insult the leadership in Zarahemla. Alma hoped to remind this people of the unity they once had.



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