Bro Hilton! I recently uncovered some cool insights from my personal study. You’re my guy so I was super excited to run it by you and also since I utilized wordcruncher. Sorry this is long, so don’t read if you’re busy haha. So one of my favorite scripture individuals is Gideon. He pops up over and over doing incredible things without all the praise and glory. It occurred to me to learn the meaning of his name. I found “Gideon” (Hebrew: גדעון) means “one who cuts down,” "feller," "hewer," “cutter off,” or even "cut off hand.” This made a lot of sense because we are first introduced to Gideon attempting to “cut down” King Noah and finally as he is “cut down” by Nehor. So I went back to study every reference of Gideon in the BoM. I was absolutely shocked at what I found. A synonym of to “cut down” or “hew down” is to “slay” or “slay with the sword.” This word or phrase is repeated over and over and over in association with Gideon and his narrative. I think we are seeing a Hebraic wordplay on his name. The evidence is stark. Every time his name is used the word “slay” is also used in some form in the exact same verse or the previous/subsequent verse. In all these cases you could replace “slay” with “cut down.” First Gideon is introduced “he drew his sword, and swore in his wrath that he would slay (cut down) the king” (Mosiah 19:4), but the Laminites attack “and began to slay them (cut them down)” (Mosiah 19:10). There are more references to Gideon as the Lamanites “slay” woman and children and later when the people “slay” King Noah. Gideon appears again in chapter 20 in order to prevent the Lamanites from “slaying” the people because of the wicked priests’ kidnappings. In Mosiah 22 Gideon proposes a plan to the king to “2 deliver themselves out of bondage (cutting down) by the sword.” In Alma 1 Gideon contends with Nehor who “9 drew his sword and began to smite him (cut him)… therefore Gideon was slain (cut down) by the sword.” But that’s not it. Alma 2 “1 Amlici… he being after the order of the man that slew (cut down) Gideon by the sword” gathers an army and the “18 Nephites… slew (cut down) the Amlicites with great slaughter, that they began to flee before them.” We read the named that area “20 the valley of Gideon, the valley being called after that Gideon who was slain (cut down) by the hand of Nehor with the sword.” Later, each time this land is mentioned “slaying “ is also mentioned Alma 6 “7 Alma… went over upon the east of the river Sidon, into the valley of Gideon, there having been a city built, which was called the city of Gideon, which was in the valley that was called Gideon, being called after the man who was slain (cut down) by the hand of Nehor with the sword.” Finally, in Helaman 13, besides Zarahemla, the city Gideon is the only city mentioned which Christ condemned because they “slew” the prophets. This just scratches the surface. I’ve been using wordcruncher to uncover more insights. I counted the amount of times “slay” is used in its various forms in Gideon’s chapters Mosiah 19 = 9, 20 = 5, Alma 1 = 3, 2 = 16 and slay or similar words are used in Mosiah 22, Alma 6, Helaman 13. Also, I think there is interpretation precedent; it seems that the Hebrew word “qatal” can mean both “to slay” and “to cut.”

Thanks brother for your time and teaching

Brother Hilton, we love your channel and this episode. Great insights about timing of war and the discovery of principles. Just surprised that you would recommend Grant Hardy's book--especially regarding these chapters--several published papers have demonstrated how he deviates from the scriptures in his derogatory treatment of Captain Moroni (and Nephi). I prefer your take to his anytime. Thanks again!

Great insights! Yet, no mention of the parallels between Nephites/Lamanites and Israel/Hamas? 😢 ❤🇮🇱 "O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenat people? Nay; but ye have cursed them, and have hated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people." - 2 Nephi 29:5 How is it that not one Come Follow Me channel has mentioned the abundantly clear parallels between Nephites/Lamanites and Israel/Hamas? Especially after the prophet invited us to study the promises to the covenant children of Israel.

Wow! The escalator analogy was eye-opening. Along with the Nephite and Lamanite preparation for war. “What worked in the past will not be enough in the future”. Made me think j of what our wonderful prophet is asking us to do..which will help us increase our pace “on the escalator”. i.e spend more time in the temple, increase your spiritual capacity, refine your ability to Hear Him, turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love your Master class. I learn so much each week. Thank you!

Study time was the best part of my day🌻

I'm enjoying learning more about how I can apply the war chapters in my daily life.

Always look forward to the next master class

Your ‘parable of the escalator’ is very applicable. What a great way to put Elder Eyering‘s quote about increasing our efforts into an our long term memories. I also so appreciate how many wishes you have granted by recommending me so many great bonus resources!

This is the most wonderful master class and I love it so much and I’m grateful for it every week! Thank you for continuing to teach and share the great insight that you have. I share it with everyone I know. After participating in this class, I feel especially strengthened against temptation and all the “fourth times” I am tempted. Thank you for teaching true principles that change mind and heart and behavior.

Thank you brother Hilton, for such wonderful teaching~for principles in the war chapters. ❤

Keep up the great work..we need it🌻🌵❣️

🌞❣️🌵love your master class💕

So thankful for this course!

Sending love from Ravie Dios marvellous from Australia Queensland Brisbane ❤❤❤❤

Wonderfully presented. God Bless! :) 💕

Wow. I love this

How do you know that the first month corresponds to our January? Im not sure, but it seems the Hebrew calendar has the first month in April or near there

I love your lessons! Thanks so much for you time! ❤

I believe in God ! ❤

So many gold nuggets from this episode! The two biggest being how we need to increase our pace when walking with Christ, and how the advesary will come a fourth time to dissuade us from that path

I’m probably struggling harder now, with more complex, long term problems, than I ever have in my life! A lot is conspiring against me and the solutions are going to perhaps be years in coming. I can’t tell you how my heart took courage in hearing their opening words for this lesson. Your words are an answer to my prayers! Well, not an “answer“ precisely, but what I need to hear to keep trusting in the Lord. THANK YOU 🙏🏻 ❤

Oh my, I have had such a struggle this week and your perspective and words have been just what I needed. I feel imbued with a resurgence of determination and positivity after this episode. Blessing be upon you and keep these sessions coming.

“Behold a Hebrew in whom there is no guile”. lol! The idea of an honest Jew was so foreign - even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was amazed when he found one! (the Bible’s words - not mine before you get all butt hurt and offended. I didn’t write it…)

I’ve been asking for help overcoming a temptation for a long time. I’m not sure what else to ask for, but it’s not happening.

I appreciate your remarks on making excuses. I thought that was a pretty cut and dried concept but now you have given me reason to dig deeper and understand the Elder Robins quote. Thank you!

Always looking forward to your class.

Gods wonderful beutiful loving son Jesus Christ, how can we thank him for all he has done for us Isaiaha 53, and his father God the almighty who gave him out for us so we can live John 3:16 how can we thank him? We should be on or knees 24/7 to thank them both.

This show is brilliantly done! Not only has it given me a different perspective and made my faith stronger but it's inspired me to ask a very important question. One I've been curious about my whole life... Did Jesus have a sense of humor? I think he did. Don't forget what Proverbs 17:22 said "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

No excuse - I will listen every week.

great class

Love love love your preparation and insight. Thank you for your Book of Mormon Master class! I’m uplifted and inspired every time I watch.

I am very grateful for this master class on the Book of Mormon. I find greater peace studying the Book of Mormon each day. Having this video series as a resource adds to my study and enriches my understanding and learning. Thank you, John!

Can you make a video to show how to use the app on a phone. Thanks !

TBH unsure why Nephites would be using a Gregorian calendar (one we currently use and wasn’t invented then). Why wouldn’t they be using Hebrew calendar? First month of year is Nisan or March/April in our calendar. This would need to be reevaluated since the calendar systems would be wrong

Thank you. Your videos are wonderful.

Thank you!!

Fantastic lesson -- thank you so much, Brother Hilton, for your many efforts to prepare and share your insights each week. It is greatly appreciated! Also, I loved that image you shared of the Savior being tempted -- so visually striking.

The Prayer, "Our Father." To me it is one of the most Beautiful & Powerful Prayers(recited or sung). These words guide/exalt, protect & give us strength. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

It is ok to fail. Love it. Failing and having to try again is often the best teacher.

Another very powerful lesson! Thank you! Wish I could always remind that # 3 is not the charm! ❤🇨🇦

Thank you Brother Hilton

Truly Jonathan is a living icon, a vessel of the Holy Spirit.

I had heard about the warfare in the BoM taking place during the dry season; however, I had never seen those graphs. That is absolutely fascinating! Some powerful evidence of the truth of the BoM! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks brother Hilton! Always such powerful messages!

John, thank you so much for doing this masterclass. I am inspired and informed as I listen to it. May God continue to bless you as you prepare for and present this class. May he open your understanding and help you to feel the impact that this class is having throughout the world. In this session you talk about the influence that one man can have. You and your wife have had a tremendous influence on helping share the gospel and deepen our understanding of the eternal plan of happiness. Thank you! Stay strong!!

But do we have “ infinite chances”? At some point, isn’t it “ everlastingly too late “? At some point there is a final judgement and those chances run out. Am I misunderstanding this ?

why is your background so dark?

The Chosen Season 2. Episode 4 the perfect opportunity

I have read many parenting books, but I am learning over and over again that the Book of Mormon has many valuable parenting tips. I love the idea to teach my children the doctrines and principles of the gospel and not focus so much on their behavior. Thanks for pointing that out!