Mosiah 19 - 20

King Noah’s people engaged in his sins. It’s easy to do when your leader says it’s ok. But this story shows how unrepented sin drives individuals to actions they once thought impossible.

Bound by their choices, grown men eventually found themselves abandoning their wives and children to save their own lives, an act they never could have imagined doing in their right minds. But they were following a wicked leader.

As Mosiah 19:11 records, "the king commanded them that all men should leave their wives and their children, and flee before the Lamanites." The progression of sin can rob any of us of our moral compass, blinding us until we cross lines we never thought possible.

In sharp contrast to this scene that ended in King Noah’s death by fire, stands Gideon, who beautifully bridges the roles of a courageous warrior and a wise peacemaker.

Gideon was not afraid to fight for justice; he famously drew his sword against King Noah to stop his wickedness (Mosiah 19:4). Yet, his true strength lay in his restraint and submissiveness to the greater good (19:7-8).

When the Lamanites attacked in retaliation for the priests' crimes, Gideon did not let pride dictate a bloodbath. Instead, he counseled the new King Limhi to extend mercy, search out the truth, and advised him to recognize their sins, Abinadi’s prophecy coming true, and their need to live up to the oath that they had made to the Lamanites to remain in bondage to them (all righteous noble things) -

21 For are not the words of Abinadi fulfilled, which he prophesied against us—and all this because we would not hearken unto the words of the Lord, and turn from our iniquities?

22 And now let us pacify the king, and we fulfil the oath which we have made unto him; for it is better that we should be in bondage than that we should lose our lives; therefore, let us put a stop to the shedding of so much blood.

Mosiah 20:21–22

Gideon proved that genuine courage does not necessarily mean seeking victory on the battlefield; with Gideon it meant having the bravery to fight when necessary, and the humility to sue for peace when it was right to do and would preserve life.

Lots of lessons in the Book of Mormon Elders and Sisters! Let’s be great examples of the names we wear today and our missionary purpose!