10/28/2025
In the Book of Mormon, Alma and the sons of Mosiah venture deep into Lamanite lands, risking their lives to share the light of the gospel. After years of hardship, rejection, and miraculous deliverance, their faith is rewarded. Entire kingdoms of Lamanites are converted, and seven sacred lands are transformed by the Spirit of God. These are they who become the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. They are transformed into the people of peace who bury their weapons of war forever.
Their lands are named
Ishmael
Middoni
Nephi
Shilom
Shemlon
Lemuel
Shimnilom
When I looked up the meanings of these names, I discovered that together they form a sermon of sorts and a map of the soul’s journey back to God.
God hears (Ishmael) those in bo***ge (Middoni), restores them to goodness (Nephi), brings them peace (Shilom), makes them whole (Shemlon), claims them as His own (Lemuel), and welcomes them into His sanctuary (Shimnilom).
The entire path of redemption is written right into the geography. It is the temple pattern and the sacred ascent from darkness into divine light. It is the way home. The design of returning to God’s presence is woven through every page of holy scripture, whispering to all who seek: Feast, and you will find.