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Amaleki was the son of Abinadom and the last writer on the small plates of Nephi. He was born during the days of King Mosiah the Elder and lived through the reign of King Benjamin [1][2].
Amaleki came from a lineage that had the responsibility of keeping the Nephite records, as he was a descendant of Jacob, the brother of Nephi [1]. He faithfully carried on this duty, even though he had no children of his own to pass the plates down to [2].
When Amaleki “began to be old”, he decided to deliver the small plates into the hands of King Benjamin, knowing him to be “a just man before the Lord” [2][3]. This allowed the plates to be preserved and included in the larger record compiled by Mormon.
Amaleki’s record provides important historical context for the rest of the Book of Mormon, including details about the journey of Mosiah and his people to the land of Zarahemla, the discovery of the Mulekites, and the finding of the Jaredite record [3].
More importantly, Amaleki’s final testimony reveals him to be a righteous man of God. He exhorts all people to “come unto Christ” and believe in spiritual gifts like prophecy, revelation, the ministering of angels, and the interpretation of languages [2][3]. Amaleki’s own life seems to have exemplified these gifts, as he trusted in the Lord’s guidance and experienced His power firsthand [2].
Overall, Amaleki appears to have been a faithful steward of the Nephite records, concerned for the spiritual welfare of his people. Though his record is brief, it provides valuable insights and a powerful witness of Jesus Christ and His gospel [1][2].
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