The Seed of Evildoers

Isaiah wrote that “the seed of evildoers shall never be renowned” (Isaiah 14:20).  I take this to mean that we will never celebrate the works or posterity of evildoers whose lives are spent destroying that which is good.  I think we can interpret “seed” symbolically as not necessarily their literal children but their works and legacy.  Though evildoers might have a powerful impact on those around them in the moment, they will eventually be rejected and their lives will be denounced.  Their works will not inspire future generations to good or bring about lasting change in society.  As soon as their lives are over—and usually sooner—the majority of decent people in society will seek to revert their deeds, erase their legacy, and warn their children of the wicked acts of those evildoers.  This prophecy from Isaiah about the ultimate fate of the wicked is the opposite of the promise given to Abraham that future generations would “rise up and bless [him], as their father.”  Unlike the “seed of evildoers,” through Abraham’s seed “all the families of the earth [shall] be blessed” (Abraham 2:10-11).  While Abraham impacted relatively few in life, his legacy continues to bless the world even today.  The great evildoers of history, on the other hand, tend to have power only in their own day.  We do see as Mormon pointed out the “great wickedness one very wicked man can cause to take place among the children of men,” but then their influence and legacy are gradually negated and erased by future generations.  Indeed, Amalickiah, of whom Mormon was speaking, shall “never be renowned”, but Captain Moroni’s legacy will continue to inspire the righteous for centuries to come to stand up for their freedoms and their God.