KnoWhy #185 - Why did Samuel Rely So Heavily on the Words of Past Prophets? (Helaman 14:12)

When Samuel the Lamanite preached to the people in Zarahemla, he relied heavily upon the words and teachings of past prophets. Examples include his use of prophetic laments, prophetic speech forms, words and phrases from the Old Testament, and even a verbatim quotation of a lengthy name-title of Christ, as first recorded in King Benjamin’s speech. As an outsider, Samuel’s reliance on the words of past prophets can be seen as an effort to help the people accept his prophetic warnings and especially his important message about the coming of Jesus Christ.