Aminadab was originally a Nephite who had once been a member of the Church of God but became a dissenter and lived among the Lamanites. During the time of Nephi and Lehi, around 30 B.C., his story becomes significant when these two Nephite brothers, who were preaching to the Lamanites, were taken prisoner. While in captivity, a miraculous occurrence enveloped both Nephi and Lehi in a protective fire and darkened the prison with a cloud of darkness, leading to a state of great fear among their captors (Helaman 5:22-28).
Amid this darkness and tumult, Aminadab, witnessing the scene, turned and saw the faces of Nephi and Lehi shining as they appeared to be conversing with unseen beings. He recognized the divine nature of the event and instructed the surrounding multitude to look at the prisoners (Helaman 5:35-37). When questioned by the multitude on how to dispel the darkness, Aminadab provided the key: they must repent and cry unto God with faith in Christ, as they had been previously taught by Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. Aminadab’s urging led to the Lamanites’ humble supplication to God and subsequent conversion following the dispersal of the dark cloud (Helaman 5:38-41).
As a result of Aminadab’s guidance and the miraculous events that unfolded, the captors’ hearts were changed, leading to the conversion of approximately 300 individuals. They experienced the visitation of angels and the profound joy of the Spirit, which had a transformative effect, turning many Lamanites towards the Gospel and becoming forces for good in the region (Helaman 5:42-48). Aminadab’s story serves as a testament to the possibility of spiritual redemption and the profound impact of returning to one’s faith.