Thou Shalt Have Clout

Everyone loves the story of Samuel the Lamanite. When I was a kid, it was also my favorite picture included in the Book of Mormon.  It is an epic picture.

Especially that big archer dude, and the sneaky close-range guys up above. But mostly, the invincibility that Samuel had as the Lord protected him to deliver His message.

For a quick recap, the story of Samuel is found in Helaman chapters 13-15. (here)  It occurred at one of those times when the Nephites were extra wicked, and the time was near that the Savior would be coming. The Nephites already had a prophet who was working hard to save the people: Nephi the Nephite.  So I am sure that Nephi the Nephite was glad to have Samuel the Lamanite for backup.

Samuel made an early run at calling the Nephites to repentance, but was met with resistance. He was ready to head back home (Jonah-ish)  When the Lord told him to turn around and go back and tell the people “whatsoever things the Lord doth put into his heart.” (Helaman 13:4)

So Samuel climbed up on a wall, and began to deliver the message. He was impervious to the slings and arrows of the people. He called them to repentance, and made some excellent prophecies.

After he was finished, he “did cast himself down from the wall, and did flee out of their lands, yea even unto his own country, and began to preach and prophesy among his own people.”

“and behold, he was never heard of more among the Nephites.”  (Helaman 16:7-8)

After he left, things picked up for Nephi, and some of the people started repenting and getting baptized.

I find it fascinating that we know nothing of the backstory of Samuel: Where he came from, how the Lord called him, how scary it must have been for him. I have always admired his courage to believe that the Lord would protect him, even as the arrows were whizzing by his head.

On my last read through of this story, I noticed a phrase that popped up a LOT. In chapter 13, verses 8-21, Samuel uses the same phrase THIRTEEN TIMES.

“Thus saith the Lord.”

As Samuel delivers the Lord’s message, he lets the people know that he is speaking for the Lord in almost every sentence.  After he delivers the message, he continues speaking but never uses that phrase again – until he is wrapping up in chapter 15:16-17 – where he says “thus saith” the Lord fivetimes in just two verses.

I understand why. When on the Lord’s errand, it is reassuring to be able to remind people of that fact. Most people who have served in leadership callings, or as parents, have had to give counsel from the Lord that was not received well. It does make it easier if you can point to the source and say, “It’s from the Lord – not me!”  It is better for the giver and receiver if there is confidence and faith that the message is indeed coming from the Lord.

Obviously, most of the Nephites did not have this faith or confidence in Samuel.

There is a gentleness in the counsel we receive from the prophets in our era. They use words like “invite” and “encourage” when giving instruction. It would be fascinating to see the response if President Monson spoke in October conference and used the phrase “Thus saith the Lord” thirteen times is two paragraphs.

I wonder if we would sit up and take notice, and be quicker to obey.

It would be sad if we reacted any differently than we already do.