Alma 51: The King-Men's Rebellion

Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, (2000), 136

What do you do when faced with conflicting opinions on important issues? As you read Alma 51, look for the conflict the Nephites faced and what made the situation even more challenging. Think about which group you would have sided with if you had lived then.

Understanding the Scriptures

Alma 51

High birth (v. 8)Nobility, wealth, power
Wroth (vv. 13–14)Angry
Petition (v. 15)Formal written request
Appellation (v. 21)Name, title
Professed the blood of (v. 21)Claimed to be persons of high rank through their birth
Cunning (v. 27)Clever plans, craftiness
Repulsed (v. 31)Pushed back
Harass (v. 32)Continually attack and annoy
Javelin (v. 34)Spear

Alma 51:5–6—Who Were the Freemen and the King-Men?

Two types of government are described in Alma 51. One was based on the idea that the majority of the people (freemen) would choose “that which is right” (Mosiah 29:26). The other was a group of people (king-men) who desired “power and authority over the people” (Alma 51:8) for themselves.

Studying the Scriptures

Do two of the following activities (A–C) as you study Alma 51.

Activity A iconWrite a Description

What kind of messages might the king-men and the freemen have given to persuade the people to support their side? After reading Alma 51:1–8, write a brief description of each of their political views.

Activity B iconFind the Answer

As you study Alma 51:13–21, write the answers to the following questions:

  1. 1.

    What was the response of the king-men to the Lamanite attack?

  2. 2.

    How did the government respond to the king-men’s actions?

  3. 3.

    How did Moroni end the king-men rebellion?

  4. 4.

    Why do you think it was necessary for Moroni to take the action he did?

  5. 5.

    Why do you suppose Mormon included all of those details about threats to freedom in his abridgment of the Nephite records? (see Mormon 8:34–35).

Activity C iconTell a Story

Review Alma 51:29–37 and, in your own words, write a story of Teancum and Amalickiah that you could tell to Primary children.

Teancum and Amalickiah