A System of Judges and Personal Responsbility

Mosiah 29 appeared to be a small chapter in my reading this week, but the content contained lead to some very big changes for the Nephite civilization. Until this time, the Nephites had lived under a Patriarchal society and a Monarchy government. After seeing failures with both systems, Mosiah felt it was time to shift the government to a system of judges. There we're many factors and history that played into his decision, so let me share a few.

First, Mosiah had just translated the history of the Jeredites and under the Monarchy, and under their Monarchy government, the entire Jeredite civilization had been destroyed. Mosiah had also witnessed and read of evil Kings in his own civilization. Ultimately, he believed that a Monarchy could successfully rule the people and live by Gods law if the king was righteous, but that would not always be the case.

Second, King Mosiah realized that even his own kin could cause contention if another king was appointed. When word was spread to the people, they all desired that his son Aaron would be their ruler. Aaron, along with his brothers, all declined because they wanted to serve a mission among the Lamintes. Mosiah, warned the people that Aaron could turn again to his pride and try to claim his right to the kingdom. This could cause contention among the people, splitting them and causing anger and wars.

Ultimately, the biggest factor was his desire to shift the responsibility of the kingdom to the people, rather than than one man; The King.

v33  And many more things did king Mosiah write unto them, unfolding unto them all the trials and ^atroubles of a righteous king, yea, all the travails of soul for their people, and also all the murmurings of the people to their king; and he explained it all unto them.

 v34 And he told them that these things ought not to be; but that the burden should come upon all the people, that every man might ^abear his part.

 Mosiah has faith that, although their are some who desire to do wrong, the majority of people will choose to do right.  

v26 Now it is not common that the ^avoice of the people desireth anything ^bcontrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the ^cpeople to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.

He also feels, with a system of higher and lower judges, a system of "checks and balances" as we call it today, would be in place. If either set of judges is not judging in righteousness, they will be held accountable by the voice of the people.

Mosiah knew the importance of every man having an equal chance in the land and a willingness to answer to his own sins. 

v39 Therefore, it came to pass that they assembled themselves together in bodies throughout the land, to cast in their ^avoices concerning who should be their ^bjudges, to judge them according to the ^claw which had been given them; and they were exceedingly rejoiced because of the ^dliberty which had been granted unto them.

I'm very thankful to see this early example of Democracy being set forth in the scriptures. I'm thankful to have counsel that reminds me that good, can prevail over evil. In order to play our part in spreading good, we are counseled to seek the truth. We are counseled to carefully study the men and issues that will affect our local community and our country as a whole. 

I'll finish, with a link to a video that was included in my lesson this week. This short video titled "At the Crossroads of History", briefly summarizes the lesson of Mosiah 29 and reminds me of the need to "Rising Up and Defend Freedom".