The Literary Structure and Doctrinal Significance of Alma 13:1-9

Alma’s sermon at Ammonihah includes a remarkable passage (Alma 13:1-9) that contains a main chiasm as well as four shorter chiasms and four alternates. It also uses synonymia, cycloides, repetition, and an important Nephite idiom (rest). In addition, this passage explains the doctrine of the priesthood, the eternal nature of Christ and the priesthood, and introduces the doctrines of a preparatory redemption and the rest of God.