King Benjamin was the second of three Nephite prophet-kings who reigned in the land of Zarahemla. His ministry came between the reigns of his father and his son, both of whom were named Mosiah.
The Book of Mormon does not mention the time or the place of Benjamin's birth. It is generally believed he was born in the land of Nephi and went to the land of Zarahemla with his father, Mosiah 1 who had been warned to flee out of the land of Nephi. (Omni 1:12.) Mosiah 1 was appointed king over the land of Zarahemla.One of the earliest references to Benjamin was when Amaleki gave him the small plates of Nephi. (Omni 1:25.)
"The large plates of Nephi (historical chronicles) were the stewardship of all Nephite kings beginning with Nephi himself," wrote Rodney Turner in a chapter in Studies in Scripture: 1 Nephi to Alma 29. "These were automatically passed on by Mosiah 1 to his son Benjamin. However, teh small plates of Nephi (containing the spiritual writings of Nephi and his prophet successors) were handed down through the family of Nephi's brother Jacob.
"Amaleki completed these plates and, having no son, gave them to King Benjamin. For the first time in more than 300 years, all of the Nephite records were combined."
King Benjamin is distinguished for the justice and mercy with which he reigned, for his great devotion to God, and for the love he had for his people.
In Commentary on the Book of Mormon, George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl wrote, "One of his most outstanding qualitites was the frugality and simplicity of his personal life which he always maintained."
The early years of King Benjamin's reign were marked by war as Lamanites invaded Zarahemla. "The war was a fierce one," wrote Reynolds and Sjodahl. "King Benjamin led his forces, armed with the historic sword of Laban, and with it slew many of the enemy.
"Benjamin was ultimately successful in driving the invading hosts out of all the regions occupied by his people, with a loss to the Lamanites of many thousands of warriors."
King Benjamin's reign also was troubled with various religious impostors, false Christs, pretended Messiahs and false prophets who caused apostasy and dissensions among the people.
With the help of other prophets and righteous men, King Benjamin "did once more establish peace in the land." (Words of Mormon 1:18.)
King Benjamin had to contend with another element of unrest caused by some who, having left the land of Nephi, permitted their thoughts and affections to be drawn toward their former homes and associations.
"The natural consequence was that they were constantly agitating the idea of organizing expeditions to visit their old homes," wrote Reynolds and Sjodahl. One group fought among themselves with such fury that all were slain except 50 men. Another group never was heard of again. (Omni 1:27-30.)
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