KnoWhy #150 - Why Does Alma Mention “the Plan” Ten Times in His Words to Corianton? (Alma 42:13)

A feature of Alma’s exhortation to Corianton that may be easy to overlook is the symbolic use of the number ten. Within these chapters, Alma referred to the plan of redemption precisely ten times. In many ancient civilizations, including among the Israelites, certain numbers were considered to hold sacred meaning or importance. Corianton had bought into the wrong “plan,” and thus Alma’s sermon, in order to turn his son back onto the true path, needed to state the totality of the true plan. Understanding the numeric symbolism that underlays parts of the Book of Mormon can deepen comprehension of the scriptures and the prophets who wrote them.