In this week’s lesson, King Benjamin shares his proclamation. He not only presents his message but also emphasizes the intensity of his feelings by labeling it as a “proclamation” (Mosiah 2:1). This term echoes the significance of proclamations in our modern context.
In one of our podcasts, guest Loren Marks delved into the meaning of the word “proclaim.” He described it as similar to “announce” or “declare” in an official or formal manner, but also as something done in a “deliberately open way” or “to make known publicly.” Interestingly, he noted that the antonym of “proclaim” is “secret.”
Consider the image of an ancient prophet speaking from the top of a watchtower; there is a very public urgency to his message. Thus, the message could be about matters of life and death, and it is being proclaimed so publicly that it might as well be shouted from the rooftops. Loren suggests that this dynamic captures the intent behind our modern document as well; The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Notably, formal proclamations in the history of the church are very rare and are treated with utmost seriousness.
The blessing of God providing His children with guidance through the warnings and teachings of prophets in the form of proclamations spans many ages.
Listen to the podcast: The Raising Family, Season One, Ep. 10. “Solemnly Proclaim, Reverence, and False Idols”