The work of conversion is all about \”winning hearts\” by inviting God\’s children to make room for the word of God.
Alma-2 invites the poor outcast Zoramites to \”give place\” for the word in their heart, to \”experiment upon [his] words\” (Alma 32:27).
It occurs to me that the work of conversion is God\’s work and glory. (See Moses 1:39.) Winning hearts comes as people make \”make place\” for the word. This type of language is also mirrored in the Book of Abraham\’s pre-creation account:
24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Abraham 3)
Alma-2 is asking us to do with the word of God what God is doing within the creation with each of us! He made room on earth for us to dwell, to prove us, and to see if we will do \”all things\” whatsoever we are commanded.
This is yet another example of the intimate connection between creation and covenant. This also has interesting implications in the context of Hebrew connections between words for God, tree, man, and ground, as Stisa has previously pointed out.
Both passages also outline the result of a successful experiment:
41 But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life. (Alma 32)
26 And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. (Abraham 3)
Book of Mormon Notes 
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