In the ancient land of Zarahemla, the wise and beloved King Benjamin felt the weight of his advancing years. Knowing his time as ruler was drawing to a close, he desired to leave his people with words of guidance and spiritual nourishment that would sustain them long after he was gone. To ensure that all his subjects could hear his important message, King Benjamin ordered a tall tower to be built in the center of the city. As the news spread, families from every corner of the kingdom prepared to gather in Zarahemla. They packed provisions, gathered their children, and made their way to the capital city, eager to hear their king's final address.

On the day of the speech, the city was filled with a sense of anticipation and reverence. The people pitched their tents around the tower, each family facing the structure so they could see and hear their king. The sun shone brightly in the sky, casting a golden light over the assembly. King Benjamin, a figure of authority and kindness, ascended the tower. As he looked out over the multitude, he felt a deep love for his people. He raised his hand for silence, and a hush fell over the crowd.

From his elevated position, King Benjamin began to speak. His voice, clear and strong, reached as far as possible. For those who could not hear, he had his words written down and distributed. He reminded the people of their blessings and the importance of keeping the commandments of God. He spoke of the joy that comes from serving one another, saying, "When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17). He counseled them to be humble, to remember their own nothingness before God, and to recognize their dependence on Him for all things. He spoke of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, and the atoning sacrifice He would make for all mankind. King Benjamin's words were filled with power and spirit, touching the hearts of all who listened.

As he continued, he encouraged the people to teach their children to walk in righteousness and to love one another. He urged them to repent of their sins and to take upon themselves the name of Christ, that they might be called His people. "And now, because of the covenant which ye have made, ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters" (Mosiah 5:7). The people were moved by his words, and a spirit of unity and commitment filled the air. They cried out with one voice, expressing their desire to follow the teachings of their king and to live in harmony with one another. "Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually" (Mosiah 5:2).

After the address, King Benjamin appointed his son Mosiah to be the new king. The people returned to their homes, their hearts filled with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to living righteous lives.

Fast forward to modern times, and the significance of Zarahemla continues to echo through history. In Doctrine and Covenants 125:3, the Lord instructed the early Latter-day Saints to gather in a place that He named Zarahemla: "Let them build up a city unto my name upon the land opposite the city of Nauvoo, and let the name of Zarahemla be named upon it." This directive was given in 1841, designating a specific area along the western bank of the Mississippi River, directly opposite Nauvoo, Illinois. For me, this is more than just a geographical designation; it is a sacred affirmation that this land holds significant historical and spiritual importance.

I believe that this modern-day Zarahemla, located near Montrose, Iowa, is not a mere coincidence but a divinely revealed connection to the ancient Zarahemla of the Book of Mormon. The ancient city of Zarahemla was a central location for the Nephites, a place of governance, culture, and spiritual gatherings. Its significance in the history of the Nephites is mirrored by the significance of the modern revelation given in Doctrine and Covenants. This belief is strengthened by the idea that the Lord's purposes are often revealed in patterns and connections that span both ancient and modern times. The designation of Zarahemla in the latter days serves as a powerful reminder of the continuity of God’s plan and His ongoing relationship with His people. It symbolizes a bridge between the ancient inhabitants of this land and the modern Saints who were called to gather there.

The miracles that occurred in ancient Zarahemla, such as the profound spiritual awakening during King Benjamin’s address, and the establishment of peace and unity among the people, are mirrored by the miracles witnessed by the Saints in modern Zarahemla. These include the establishment of a thriving community, the building of strong spiritual foundations, and the legacy of faith and devotion. When the Saints fled to the Rocky Mountains in the Great Basin and established Zion in a place they called Salt Lake City, Zarahemla was abandoned and nearly forgotten from history. However, the shreds of its history remain, and Zarahemla as we know it today stands as a testament to the divine guidance given throughout history. It is a place where the ancient and modern intersect, a sacred ground where the teachings and miracles of the past continue to inspire and uplift those who seek to follow God’s commandments.

My belief that ancient Zarahemla is located in the same place as the modern Zarahemla designated by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 125 is a testament to the continuity and consistency of divine revelation. It is a profound affirmation of the sacred nature of this land and its place in the history and future of God’s covenant people.