Alma 49:1-8

Chapter 49

The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah—Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni—Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church. About 72 B.C.

The day came when the Nephites saw the Lamanite armies approaching.  They were approaching the land of Ammonihah.[1] It had been rebuilt and Moroni stationed an army nearby.  They had built mounds to protect them from the arrows and stones used by the Lamanites.  Bows and arrows had been a traditional weapon.  “And it came to pass that we did travel for the space of many days, slaying food by the way, with our bows and our arrows and our stones and our slings” (1 Nephi 16:15).

In a previous war, we read, “Now the army of Zerahemnah … had only their swords and their cimeters, their bows and their arrows, their stones and their slings; and they were naked, save it were a skin which was girded about their loins; yea, all were naked, save it were the Zoramites and the Amalekites:” (Alma 43:20).

Recall the destruction of Ammonihah because of the wickedness of the people.  Alma had commanded them “to repent; and except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.  But behold, this is not all—he has commanded you to repent, or he will utterly destroy you from off the face of the earth; yea, he will visit you in his ^banger, and in his fierce anger he will not turn away” (Alma 9:12). “Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken unto the words of Alma” (Alma 8:9)

Alma’s prophesy of destruction was fulfilled. “For behold, the armies of the Lamanites had come in upon the wilderness side, into the borders of the land, even into the city of Ammonihah, and began to slay the people and destroy the city … And thus ended the eleventh year of the judges … and the people of Ammonihah were destroyed; yea, every living soul of the Ammonihahites was destroyed, and also their great city … [A]fter many days their dead bodies were heaped up upon the face of the earth, and they were covered with a shallow covering.  And now so great was the scent thereof that the people did not go in to possess the land of Ammonihah for many years” (Alma 16:9, 11).

The Lamanites found the Nephites were prepared for their attacks.  The mounds[2] built were high enough their stones and arrows would have no effect.  The only place the Lamanites could attack was the entrance to the city.  But the Lamanites would face a battle at the entrance.  “Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should attempt to come into their place of security by the place of entrance; and thus were they prepared to defend themselves against the Lamanites”  (Alma 49:20).

Verse 4 also presents an interesting use of language.

Alma 49:4 reads “the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them.” … For us today, it seems strange to cast arrows. Yet the [Oxford English Dictionary] gives the following comment for definition 2 under the verb cast: “Formerly said also of military engines, bows, and the like, which throw or shoot projectiles.” … [O]ne could claim that Joseph Smith picked up such vocabulary usage from intensive Bible reading. But there are words and expressions in the original Book of Mormon text that never appear, at least with their archaic meanings, in the King James Bible.[3]

The Lamanites were amazed at the preparation of the Nephites. This time, however, the Lamanites were better prepared.  They had prepared themselves with shields, breastplates, and thick garments made of animal skins.  What they did not expect was an army prepared to oppose their efforts to bring the Nephites under the bondage and control of the Lamanites.  “And now, as Moroni knew the intention of the Lamanites, that it was their intention to destroy their brethren, or to subject them and bring them into bondage that they might establish a kingdom unto themselves over all the land” (Alma 43:29).

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[1] “Yea, [Moroni] had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites, and erecting small forts, or places of resort; throwing up banks of earth round about to enclose his armies, and also building walls of stone to encircle them about, round about their cities and the borders of their lands; yea, all round about the land” (Alma 48:8).

[2] “AND now it came to pass that Moroni did not stop making preparations for war, or to defend his people against the Lamanites; for he caused that his armies should commence in the commencement of the twentieth year of the reign of the judges, that they should commence in digging up heaps of earth round about all the cities, throughout all the land which was possessed by the Nephites” (Alma 50:1).

[3] Insights, volume 25, Number 5, 2005, pg. 3.

Alma 48:19-25

Moroni, Mormon wrote, was a man like Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni, the sons of Mosiah as well as Alma₂. Considering all they accomplished while serving the Lord, this was high praise, indeed.

Helaman and his brethren also provided great service to the Nephites. “Therefore, Helaman and his brethren went forth to establish the church again in all the land, yea, in every city throughout all the land which was possessed by the people of Nephi. And it came to pass that they did appoint priests and teachers throughout all the land, over all the churches” (Alma 45:22). They were successful preaching repentance to all the people and baptized all who listened to their words.

Hearing the words of Helaman and his brethren, the Nephites humbled themselves. The scriptures make it clear humility is an essential trait of a disciple of Christ. “… The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility” (Proverbs 15:33).

“A man's pride shall bring him low: but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit” (Proverbs 29:23).

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4).

“For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father” (Mosiah 3:19).

“And being found in fashion [GR outward appearance] as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:8).

(A quick observation. During His ministry, Paul tells us the Savior humbled himself. To paraphrase Nephi, if the Savior had need to humble himself, how much more need do we have to humble ourselves before God.)

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10).

“…Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth [GR opposes] the proud, and giveth grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).

“[A]s ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel” (Mosiah 4:11).

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27).

During this time, the Nephites were highly favored of the Lord and had no war nor contentions for a period of four years.

But, towards the end of the fourth year, they were forced to fight the Lamanites. They had no desire to fight, and did so reluctantly. The wars would continue for many years.

The Nephites did not enjoy the slaughter of war. Their reluctance could very well have been the memory of the losses on both sides in the war four years earlier. “And the bodies of many thousands are laid low in the earth, while the bodies of many thousands are moldering in heaps upon the face of the earth; yea, and many thousands are mourning for the loss of their kindred, because they have reason to fear, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are consigned to a state of endless wo. While many thousands of others truly mourn for the loss of their kindred, yet they rejoice and exult in the hope, and even know, according to the promises of the Lord, that they are raised to dwell at the right hand of God, in a state of never–ending happiness” (Alma 28:11-12).

“But behold I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you” (3 Nephi 12:44).

They were also saddened at the knowledge they would send many Lamanites into the eternal world unprepared to meet God. “But Ammon stood forth and said unto him: Behold, thou shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should fall than thee, for behold, he has repented of his sins; but if thou shouldst fall at this time, in thine anger, thy soul could not be saved” (Alma 20:17.)

“Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection” (D&C 42:45).

They realized they had to fight.  “And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole” (Alma 46:12).

If they did not, they would be massacred by the cruelty of their enemy. “… he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh” (Proverbs 11:17). “Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man” (Psalms 71:4).

While the Lamanites are portrayed as their enemy, the cause of many of the wars were Nephite apostates.  They had turned away from the knowledge of God, and incited the Lamanites to war.  One has to wonder would there have been so many wars with the Lamanites had there been no Nephite dissenters.

But, there were apostates and dissenters.  The scriptures warn about those who turn from their knowledge of God.  “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5).

“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby” (Ezekiel 33:18).

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26).

“For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:21-22).

“And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17).

They knew, should the Lamanites prevail, they would rejoice over the blood of the Nephites.  As they prepared for war, they knew as long as the kept God’s commandments, they would prosper in the land. “Then Alma said unto [Helaman]: Blessed art thou; and the Lord shall prosper thee in this land” (Alma 45:8).

Alma 48:8-18

While Amalickiah had been active organizing the Lamanites for war, Moroni was also make preparations.  Forts had been built.  Earthen mounds were built as was stone walls around cities and borders.  This was done throughout the land.  He identified weak spots and made an extra effort to fortify their defense.

Mormon tells us about Moroni.  He described him as a strong, might man.  He had perfect understanding. He wanted his people to continue their liberties and freedom.  He fought against bondage and slavery. He did not desire bloodshed.

He was grateful to God for the blessings upon the Nephites. He cared deeply for the welfare and safety of his people.

Moroni was firm in his faith in Christ.  He had sworn an oath to protect the Nephites.

“Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them. And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments. Now this was the covenant which they made, and they cast their garments at the feet of Moroni, saying: We covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression” (Alma 46:20-22).

Mormon reiterates the Lord’s law of war.  War is only justified if the other side attacks first and war is needed to preserve life and liberty.  “And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies. And again, the Lord has said that: Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed.  Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion” (Alma 43:46-47).

“Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands. But Gidgiddoni saith unto them: The Lord forbid; for if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands” (3 Nephi 3:20-21).

The people had faith if they kept the commandments of God, they would prosper in the land.  The Lord would also warn them to flee or prepare for war as appropriate.

The Nephites also had faith the Lord would guide them to their enemies.  A previous chief captain, Zoram, turned to Alma during a time of war.  “And it came to pass that Alma inquired of the Lord concerning the matter.  And Alma returned and said unto them: Behold, the Lamanites will cross the river Sidon in the south wilderness, away up beyond the borders of the land of Manti.  And behold there shall ye meet them, on the east of the river Sidon, and there the Lord will deliver unto thee thy brethren who have been taken captive by the Lamanites” (Alma 16:6).

Moroni also sent messengers to Alma, inquiring of him where he should place his army. “But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites. And it came to pass that the word of the Lord came unto Alma, and Alma informed the messengers of Moroni, that the armies of the Lamanites were marching round about in the wilderness, that they might come over into the land of Manti, that they might commence an attack upon the weaker part of the people.  And those messengers went and delivered the message unto Moroni” (Alma 43:23-24).

The chief captain was a man of faith.  “Now it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy; therefore, this Gidgiddoni was a great prophet among them, as also was the chief judge” (3 Nephi 3:19).

It was not the Nephite custom to destroy the enemy.  They fought until the freedoms were assured. “But behold, this was not the desire of Moroni; he did not delight in murder or bloodshed, but he delighted in the saving of his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in their drunkenness” (Alma 55:19).

Mormon sums up his description of Moroni, “[I]f all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God” (Alma 48-17-18).

Alma 48:1-7

Amalickiah has succeeded.  He got himself appointed head of the Lamanite army.  He arranged the assassination of the Lamanite king.  He was able to marry the queen, making him king of these Lamanites.  He was ready for his ultimate revenge.

Chapter 48

Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites—Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians—He rejoiced in liberty and freedom and was a mighty man of God. About 72 B.C.

Amalickiah’s first act as king was to have men go throughout the kingdom and have them stand on their towers and incite the people against the Nephites.  Speaking from towers was common.  “And it came to pass that [King Benjamin] began to speak to his people from the tower” (Mosiah 2:8).

He was successful and the Lamanites were ready to go to war.  Amalickiah was king over the Lamanites lands; he now wanted to rule over the Nephites as well.  “We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion” (D&C 121:39).

“When ambitious Nephite dissenters began to influence the Lamanites, the aims of combat became more complicated. Not only did the descendants of Laman and Lemuel still want to gain the overall governing power, they also sought material benefits—wealth (for their rulers at least). While the psychology of blood feud continued in the dissenters’ propaganda, which they used to whip up the feelings of the reluctant Lamanite masses … that extreme aim was tempered by those ambitious men’s desire to milk the Nephite masses as a subject population rendering tribute. The prospect of obtaining Nephite property and people as a source of wealth rose to form a major basis for carrying on war.”^[1]

Amalickiah was certain, because of the size of his army, he would overpower the Nephites and bring them under his tyrannical rule.  He was proof of the wisdom of King Mosiah – “For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction!” (Mosiah 29:17).

Amalickiah followed the example set by Zerahemnah and appointed Zoramites as the chief captains. “And now, as the Amalekites were of a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites were, in and of themselves, therefore, Zerahemnah appointed chief captains over the Lamanites, and they were all Amalekites and Zoramites” (Alma 43:6).

“And it came to pass they sent embassies to the army of the Lamanites, which protected the city of Mulek, to their leader, whose name was Jacob, desiring him that he would come out with his armies to meet them upon the plains between the two cities.  But behold, Jacob, who was a Zoramite, would not come out with his army to meet them upon the plains … And it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites did march forth against Teancum, supposing by their numbers to overpower Teancum because of the smallness of his numbers.  And as Teancum saw the armies of the Lamanites coming out against him he began to retreat down by the seashore, northward” (Alma 52:20, 23).

“[T]he Zoramites and Lamanites joined forces. As feared, this alliance proved disastrous. For many years to come, the Zoramites continued to be a terrible threat to the Nephites—not only because of their extreme hatred but also because the Zoramites knew “the strength of the Nephites, and their places of resort, and the weakest parts of their cities” (Alma 48:5).[2]

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[1] Last-Ditch Warfare in Ancient Mesoamerica Recalls the Book of Mormon, John L. Sorenson, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9/2 (2000): 46-47.

[2] The Zoramite Separation: A Sociological Perspective, Sherrie Mills Johnson, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14/1 (2005): 85.

Alma 47:21-46

Through assassination, Amalickiah has taken command of all the king’s army. He led the army back to the king.  The king saw him coming and, along with his guards, he went out to meet him.  He assumed Amalickiah had united his army and they were ready to battle the Nephites.

Amalickiah had his servants to go out and meet the king.  They bowed before him, as if they were honoring him and his greatness.  It was custom that the king raise those who had bowed before him, the action being a sign of peace.  When the first servant was raised, he assassinated the king by stabbing him in the heart.

Seeing the king was dead, the servants fled. Amalickiah’s servants called out accusing the king’s servants of assassinating him and fleeing.  All were called to come and witness what had occurred.

Amalickiah had the army march forth and see the dead king.  Pretending anger, he called to all who loved the king to find his servants and kill them.  The search began for the servants.  They were not found.  They fled to the land of Zarahemla and joined the Ammonites.

After the unsuccessful attempt to find the king’s innocent servants, Amalickiah was where he wanted to be.  Through fraud and deceit, he had gained the support of the people.  David described Amalickiah.  “His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity” (Psalms 10:7).

Returning his army to Nephi, he meet a group sent from the queen.  She wanted him to come and tell her what had occurred.  She also asked he bring witnesses who would confirm his account. 

As a testimony to his treachery, Amalickiah brought the servant who had done the killing, as well as the other servants who were with him.  They met with the queen and lied, telling them their fabricated tale.  They also asked why would the king’s servants fled if they were innocent.  The mere fact they fled was an admission of guilt. 

The lies satisfied the queen.

Amalickiah completed his treachery by seeking the favor of the queen.  “Many will intreat the favour of the prince: and every man is a friend to him that giveth gifts. All the brethren of the poor do hate him: how much more do his friends go far from him?  he pursueth them with words, yet they are wanting to him” (Proverbs 19:6-7).

He succeeded and married the queen. His plan succeeded.  He was now king of the Lamanites.  His people were composed of Lamanites, Lemuelites, Ishmaelites, and Nephite dissenters.  These dissenters could trace their lineage back to those who dissented from Nephi₁’s leadership forward. 

The dissenters had received the knowledge and understanding of the gospel, but they turned away from the truth. “Throughout the world, Saints of the Lord follow Him and His anointed leaders. They have learned that the path of dissent leads to real dangers … How divisive is the force of dissension! Small acts can lead to such great consequences. Regardless of position or situation, no one can safely assume immunity to contention’s terrible toll.”^[1]

“Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD” (Jeremiah 17:5).

“When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and

dieth in them; for his iniquity that he hath done shall he die” (Ezekiel 18:26).

“When the righteous turneth from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, he shall even die thereby” (Ezekiel 33:18).

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26).

They became more hardened, wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination?  nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among them that fall: in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 8:12).

They will have forgotten their Lord.  “And thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things” (Alma 24:30).

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[1] The Canker of Contention, President Russell M. Nelson, April 1989 General Conference.

Alma 47:1-20

In chapter 46, we established the wickedness of Amalickiah.  In chapter 47, we get to see his is a man that will let nothing get in his way of accomplishing what he wants.  His evil is a warning to us all.

Chapter 47

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.

We learned at the end of chapter 46, Amalickiah and some of his army escaped.  “And it came to pass that Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and were taken back into the land of Zarahemla” (Alma 46:33).

They fled to the land of Nephi.  This is where Nephi and his followers established their first settlement.  “And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi” (2 Nephi 5:8).

The Nephites kept the land for over three centuries, but the day came when they had to fee the land because of the Lamanites.  “Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom.  Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the ^eland of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness” (Omni 1:12).

Moroni was concerned about an alliance between Amalickiah and the Lamanites and tried to prevent it.  “Now Moroni thought it was not expedient that the Lamanites should have any more strength; therefore he thought to cut off the people of Amalickiah, or to take them and bring them back, and put Amalickiah to death; yea, for he knew that he would stir up the Lamanites to anger against them, and cause them to come to battle against them; and this he knew that Amalickiah would do that he might obtain his purposes” (Alma 46:30).

Moroni’s concerns were realized.  Amalickiah was successful at stirring up the Lamanites. The Lamanite king sent out a proclamation gathering his people together to go to war against the Nephites.

His people, on the other hand, were less than enthused.  They remembered a previous war with the Nephites.  “Therefore when Zerahemnah saw the men of Lehi on the east of the river Sidon, and the armies of Moroni on the west of the river Sidon, that they were encircled about by the Nephites, they were struck with terror. Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his men that they should stop shedding their blood” (Alma 43:53-54).

Faced with choice of displeasing the king or losing their lives in a battle against the Nephites, most refused to go to war.

The king became angry.  The king made a fatal mistake.  He gave command of his army of obedient Lamanites to Amalickiah.  The army was sent to force the people to join the army.

Unbeknownst to the king, Amalickiah had a devious plan. He did not want the king’s assistance, he wanted to get rid of the king.

[A]t at many points [Mormon] goes into considerable detail about obscure events and circumstances. A prime example is the account of the assassination of the Lamanite rebel leader Lehonti and of the Lamanite king, as told in Alma 47. It is unreasonable to think that those anomalous scenes were ever recorded in such detail in the official Nephite annals. We are not given as much as a hint of anyone who was an eyewitness of those events and who might have relayed the story to a Nephite record keeper … At times Mormon’s sources provide mysteriously detailed information. We are left to infer that he had the advantage of writings by unacknowledged participants whose records are very unlikely to have found a place on the plates of Nephi. Obvious examples are the stories, as noted above, of the assassination of both the Lamanite rebel leader Lehonti and the Lamanite king, and related events (Alma 47).”^[1]

Amalickiah took command of the Lamanites who favored the king.  He also sought to gain support of the Lamanites who opposed the king.  They had fled to Onidah (a hill where Alma and Amulek taught the Zoramite poor – “Now, as Alma was teaching and speaking unto the people upon the hill Onidah, there came a great multitude unto him, who were those of whom we have been speaking, of whom were poor in heart, because of their poverty as to the things of the world” (Alma 32:4).

Those who refused to fight for the selected their own king.  They were prepared to do battle with any army sent by the king to force them to fight the Nephites.

They didn’t know Amalickiah did not intend to fight.  He was there to convince them to support him as leader of their army.  With this large force, he intended to overthrow the king.  When the army arrived, he had them camp near the mount Antipas.

That night, a secret delegation was sent to the army on the mount.  They delivered Amalickiah’s request to their king, Lehonti.  He asked him to come down and speak with him.

Lehonti apparently did not trust Amalickiah.  He refused his request to meet.  Two more times he sent his delegation to pass on his request. Two more times Lehonti refused. A fourth time the delegation was sent.  This time, he told him he could bring his guards with him. Lehonti agreed.

Amalickiah made him an offer.  Lehonti was to bring his army down, surround his, and he would surrender his army to him.  The condition was Lehonti make him his second in command.

Lehonti agreed and surrounded Amalickiah’s army.  Seeing they were surrounded, his army plead with him to surrender and save their lives.  He surrendered his army in violation of the king’s command. 

Amalickiah then began the second part of his plan.  Lamanite tradition was if a chief leader was killed, his second in command would become the chief leader.  Amalickiah had one of his servants to slowly poison Lehonti.  Eventually, he died and Amalickiah became leader of the army.

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[1] Mormon’s Sources, John L. Sorenson, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20/2 (2011): 4, 10.

Alma 46:23-41

After getting his army together, he reminded them they are a remnant Jacob and Joseph.  He told them about his coat, which was ripped apart by his brothers. The Nephites must keep God’s commandments or they will be cast into prison, sold into slavery, or killed.

Before his death, Joseph saw that a part of Joseph’s coat would be preserved.  His descendants will be preserved.  “Wherefore, for this cause hath the Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation, that the promise may be fulfilled unto Joseph, that his seed should never perish as long as the earth should stand” (2 Nephi 25:21).

“For as Joseph brought his father down into the land of Egypt, even so he died there; wherefore, the Lord brought a remnant of the seed of Joseph out of the land of Jerusalem, that he might be merciful unto the seed of Joseph that they should perish not, even as he was merciful unto the father of Joseph that he should perish not” (Ether 13:7).

Some of the remnant of Joseph will perish.  Moroni asks could these people be those who dissented from the Nephites.  Should the Nephites fail to follow the gospel of Christ, it could also be them.

The call went to all Nephites, even those living where there were dissensions, to gather together and fight to defend their liberty.  The dissenters were known as Amalickiahites.

Amalickiah learned Moroni’s army was more powerful than his.  His people doubted their cause.  Fearing he would lose, he gathered his people and left the land of Nephi.

Moroni did not want to see the Lamanites become a part of Amalickiah’s army. “Now, the Lamanites were more numerous, yea, by more than double the number of the Nephites; nevertheless, they were driven insomuch that they were gathered together in one body in the valley, upon the bank by the river Sidon” (Alma 43:51). 

Moroni decided he would take his army, who had gathered together “and entered into a covenant to keep the peace” (Alma 46:31) and cut off Amalickiah’s army in the wilderness.

Moroni’s strategy worked.  He confronted the Amalickiah’s army.  Knowing he would lose, Amalickiah and a few men fled for their safety.  The rest were taken to the land of Zarahemla.

Having been appointed[1] by the chief judge and the voice of the people, he was allowed to exercise authority over the Amalickiahite prisoners.  They were given a choice to either enter into a covenant of freedom, or be put to death.  Most entered into the covenant. Moroni also had the title of liberty put on every tower throughout the lands possessed by the Nephites.

This ended the war and peace was maintained throughout the land. Helaman and the high priests maintained order in the church.  Over the next four years, peace was maintained.

Many died during that time.  The believers who died, died knowing they would be redeemed through Christ. “Wherefore, I would speak unto you that are of the church, that are the peaceable followers of Christ, and that have obtained a sufficient hope by which ye can enter into the rest of the Lord, from this time henceforth until ye shall rest with him in heaven … And what is it that ye shall hope for?  Behold I say unto you that ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise” (Moroni 7:3, 41).

Some who died, died “with fevers” that were common during certain times of the years.  They Nephites knew of plants and roots to treat the people in their illness.  Mormon credited the Lord for the plants and roots.  “…God had prepared to remove the cause of disease, to which men were subject by the nature of the climate” (Alma 46:40). 

Many who died, died from old age. “[A]nd those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him, as we must need suppose.” (Alma 46:41).

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[1] “Now, the leader of the Nephites, or the man who had been appointed to be the chief captain over the Nephites—now the chief captain took the command of all the armies of the Nephites—and his name was Moroni” (Alma 43:16).

Alma 46:11-22

Amalickiah has been actively recruiting those who have become dissatisfied with the church and bringing them to his side.  General Moroni was not pleased with what is happening, his anger directed towards Amalickiah.

The Book of Mormon has made it clear when was is justified.  General Moroni had laid out the reason he would fight. “And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all–powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us” (Alma 44:5).

Now Moroni goes further and tears off part of his coat and produces the famous Title of Liberty – “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children” (Alma 46:12).  He placed it on the end of a pole.

He put on his battle gear, took the pole, and bowed and he began to pray, asking God to protect them and, as long there were Christians, to possess this land.[1]

The Title of Liberty in his hands, Moroni went among the people, waving his garment, ensuring all would see what he had written.  He called out to the people, telling them whoever is willing to maintain the Title on the land should come out and enter a covenant to maintain their rights.

Hearing Moroni’s words, many came running, wearing their battle gear and rending their garments as a covenant they would not forsake God, no fall into sin and be ashamed of takin the name of Christ.  “We covenant with our God, that we shall be destroyed, even as our brethren in the land northward, if we shall fall into transgression; yea, he may cast us at the feet of our enemies, even as we have cast our garments at thy feet to be trodden under foot, if we shall fall into transgression” (Alma 46:22).

Depictions of military conflict in the Book of Mor­mon, while foreign to many modern notions, strikingly suggest a dual heritage from the ancient Near East and pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. The oath of allegiance taken by Nephite soldiers in Alma 46:21–22 is almost identical in form to military oaths among ancient Israelite and Hittite warriors.^[2]

There are a number of references to those who are ashamed. “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).

“And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed” (1 Nephi 8:25).

“O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?  Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ?  Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies—because of the praise of the world” (Mormon 8:38).

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[1] “For thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church” (Alma 46:14).

[2] Mormonism as a Restoration, Daniel C. Peterson, FARMS Review 18/1 (2006): 405.

Alma 46:1-10

Chapter 46

Amalickiah conspires to be king—Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph shall be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. About 73–72 B.C.

With Alma’s departure, Helaman began his responsibilities as head of the church.  “And now it came to pass in the ^*commencement of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, that Helaman went forth among the people to declare the word unto them” (Alma 45:20).

Those who rejected his words came together.  In their anger, they organized under the leadership of an apostate Nephite named Amalickiah.

Amalickiah desired what most Nephite apostates desired.  He wanted to be king, to have absolute power over the people, especially over those whom he hated.  We saw this early in Alma₂’s with Amlici. “Now this Amlici had, by his cunning, drawn away much people after him; even so much that they began to be very powerful; and they began to endeavor to establish Amlici to be a king over the people” (Alma 2:2).

Amalickiah must have been a charismatic man.  Not only was he able to convince a great part of the Nephite dissenters, but he was also able to convince some of the “lower judges” who were hungry for power.

Mormon tells us Amalickiah flattered the people, promising them power over the people if they made him king.  Solomon warned against people like this. “A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5). This all happened despite the efforts of Helaman and the high priests.

Many in the church became convinced by Amalickiah’s words.  We have been warned to protect ourselves from these words.  “For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is very wickedness; their throat is an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue” (Psalms 5:9).

“The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaketh proud things” (Psalms 12:3).

“Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues” (Psalms 78:36).

“A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin”

(Proverbs 26:28).

He was successful in leading many away from the church to follow him in his selfish, self-centered ambitions.  This followed the pattern of the followers of Amlici.  “For the hearts of many were hardened, and their names were blotted out, that they were remembered no more among the people of God.  And also many withdrew themselves from among them” (Alma 1:24).

This occurred shortly after the Nephite victory over the Lamanites.  They quickly forgot they had been delivered by the hand of the Lord.  That no longer meant a thing to them.  Power was what they desired.

Mormon breaks away from his narrative to ensure we understand the importance of what is happening.  He wants us to understand it is easy for us to quickly forget what the Lord has done for us and turn to sin.

The Israelites were quick to turn away from God during their wilderness journey.  “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt” (Exodus 32:8).

“And yet they would not hearken unto their judges, but they went a whoring after other gods, and bowed themselves unto them: they turned quickly out of the way which their fathers walked in, obeying the commandments of the LORD; but they did not so” (Judges 2:17).

 “Then beware lest thou forget the LORD, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deuteronomy 6:12).

We turn to sin despite all the Lord has done for us.  “And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God” (Mosiah 13:29).

“Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God.  Ye have seen an angel, and he spake unto you; yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words; wherefore, he has spoken unto you like unto the voice of thunder, which did cause the earth to shake as if it were to divide asunder” (1 Nephi 17:45).

When King Mosiah abolished the monarchy, he used King Noah as an example.  He was able to turn his people to sin and reject the Lord, leading to their destruction.  “For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction! Yea, remember king Noah, his wickedness and his abominations, and also the wickedness and abominations of his people.  Behold what great destruction did come upon them; and also because of their iniquities they were brought into bondage” (Mosiah 29:17-18).

The Jews also had wicked leaders.  Howbeit from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, Jehu departed not from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Beth-el, and that were in Dan.

Mormon explains Amalickiah was cunning in how he used his words and dealt with the people.  His ultimate goal was to lead the Nephites to reject the church, destroying it.  “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring.  And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever” (2 Nephi 1:7).

He also desired to deprive the people of their God given right to liberty. “And now it came to pass that after Alma had said these things to Helaman, he blessed him, and also his other sons; and he also blessed the earth for the righteous' sake. And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do wickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the blessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (Alma 45:15-16).

“And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared” (Alma 62:40).

Alma 45:13-20

After prophesying the extinction of the Nephite people, Alma tells Helaman the survivors will become a part of the Lamanites and become like them.  “And if it so be that they perish, we know that many of our brethren have deserted over unto the Lamanites, and many more will also desert over unto them; wherefore, write somewhat a few things, if thou art spared and I shall perish and not see thee; but I trust that I may see thee soon; for I have sacred records that I would deliver up unto thee” (Moroni 9:24).

The few that don’t will be disciples of Christ, but the Lamanites will pursue them until they are killed. 

Alma then blessed Helaman and his other sons.  He also blessed the land for the sake of the righteous. “And there had been murders, and contentions, and dissensions, and all manner of iniquity among the people of Nephi; nevertheless for the righteous' sake, yea, because of the prayers of the righteous, they were spared” (Alma 62:40).

Helaman was warned the land will be cursed if they are wicked.  This will apply to all nations, kindreds, and people.  Here, Alma was repeating an oft repeated warning. “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring.  And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever” (2 Nephi 1:7).

“Yea, and cursed be the land forever and ever unto those workers of darkness and secret combinations, even unto destruction, except they repent before they are fully ripe” (Alma 37:31).

“But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake” (Mormon 1:17).

“And this cometh unto you, O ye Gentiles, that ye may know the decrees of God—that ye may repent, and not continue in your iniquities until the fulness come, that ye may not bring down the fulness of the wrath of God upon you as the inhabitants of the land have hitherto done” (Ether 2:11).

The wickedness would be similar to that of the Jews at the time Lehi’s party left Jerusalem.  The prophet Jeremiah warned, “But they hearkened not, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense unto other gods. Wherefore my fury and mine anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day” (Jeremiah 44:5-6).

Blessings are obtained based on following the laws of God. “And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21). And the Lord made it clear, “I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance” (D&C 1:31).

He ended his words to Helaman and blessed the church.

Alma had completed his work in Zarahemla.  He left, going towards the land of Melek.  And with this, Alma disappears from the Book of Mormon record.  Nothing is known about what happened to Alma. 

Mormon testified Alma was a righteous man.  It was believed throughout the church he was either translated or buried by the hand of the Lord, like Moses.  “So Moses the servant of the LORD died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the LORD. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, over against Beth-peor: but no man knoweth of his sepulchre [OR the place of his burial] unto this day” (Deuteronomy 34:5-6).

Alma 45:9-13

Alma changes the tone of his words to Helaman.  He is about to share a prophesy with him, but there are conditions.  What he tells him must be kept secret.  Only after the prophecy is fulfilled may it be made known to all.  He then commanded Helaman to record the words he says.

Four hundred years after Christ appears to the Nephites, they will cease to believe.  Nephi saw this in revelation before Lehi’s party arrived in the New World.

And the angel said unto me: Look! And I looked, and beheld three generations pass away in righteousness; and their garments were white even like unto the Lamb of God.  And the angel said unto me: These are made white in the blood of the Lamb, because of their faith in him. And I, Nephi, also saw many of the fourth generation who passed away in righteousness. And it came to pass that I saw the multitudes of the earth gathered together. And the angel said unto me: Behold thy seed, and also the seed of thy brethren. And it came to pass that I looked and beheld the people of my seed gathered together in multitudes against the seed of my brethren; and they were gathered together to battle. (1 Nephi 12:11-15).

We can infer the keepers of the plates were not aware of Nephi’s dual records (the large and small plates).[1]  We can further infer Nephi’s knowledge about the ultimate fate of his people was not known by the prophets that followed after Amaleki’s contribution to the small plates. If the record keepers were not aware of Nephi’s vision, than the people would not have known their ultimate fate. It appears all they had was the constant warning of the consequences of turning away from God and failing to keep His commandments. 

Samuel, the Lamanite warned the Nephites, “And four hundred years shall not pass away before I will cause that they shall be smitten; yea, I will visit them with the sword and with famine and with pestilence” (Helaman 13:9).  After Mormon’s death, Moroni wrote, “Behold, four hundred years have passed away since the coming of our Lord and Savior” (Mormon 8:6).

Alma continues, there will be wars, famines, and bloodshed until the Nephites are destroyed.  Jarom recorded, “And it came to pass that the prophets of the Lord did threaten the people of Nephi, according to the word of God, that if they did not keep the commandments, but should fall into transgression, they should be destroyed from off the face of the land” (Jarom 1:10).

And Samuel, the Lamanite warned, “Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his people” (Helaman 13:6).

The people will fall into works of darkness and all manner of sin.  They will commit sin after having received the light and knowledge of God. 

“But the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him, until three generations shall have passed away, and many of the fourth generation shall have passed away in righteousness. And when these things have passed away a speedy destruction cometh unto my people; for, notwithstanding the pains of my soul, I have seen it; wherefore, I know that it shall come to pass; and they sell themselves for naught; for, for the reward of their pride and their foolishness they shall reap destruction; for because they yield unto the devil and choose works of darkness rather than light, therefore they must go down to hell” (2 Nephi 26:9-10).

The Savior warned the Nephites, “But behold, it sorroweth me because of the fourth generation from this generation, for they are led away captive by him even as was the son of perdition; for they will sell me for silver and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt and which thieves can break through and steal.  And in that day will I visit them, even in turning their works upon their own heads” (3 Nephi 27:32).

“Nephi’s prophecy of the four generations of righteousness is repeated only twice (briefly) in Nephi’s account and only twice (indirectly) in Mormon’s entire abridgment (compare 1 Nephi 12:11–12; 2 Nephi 26:9 and Alma 45:12; 3 Nephi 27:31–32).”^[2]

When that day comes, those who were Nephites will no longer be numbered among the Nephites.  They will affiliate with the Lamanites. “And they have been handed down from one generation to another by the Nephites, even until they have fallen into transgression and have been murdered, plundered, and hunted, and driven forth, and slain, and scattered upon the face of the earth, and mixed with the Lamanites until they are no more called the Nephites, becoming wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, even becoming Lamanites” (Helaman 3:16).

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[1] “And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an abridgment from the plates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the records which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king Benjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi” (Words of Mormon 1:3).

[2] Prophecy and History: Structuring the Abridgment of the Nephite Records, Steven L. Olsen, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 15/1 (2006): 26.

Alma 45:1-8

The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days.

Comprising chapters 45 to 62 inclusive.

Chapter 45

Helaman believes the words of Alma—Alma prophesies the destruction of the Nephites—He blesses and curses the land—Alma is taken up by the Spirit, even as Moses—Dissension grows in the Church. About 73 B.C.

The war had ended.  The people rejoiced the Lord had preserved them.  They gave thanks through their fasting and prayers.

“Alma’s interview with Helaman is a classic “wet” and refreshing performance. It is a short, three-question, forty-five-second exchange between father and son. According to the record, Alma was approaching the end of his ministry. He knew that he must select someone to assume prophetic and record-keeping responsibilities. Helaman was his choice.”[1]

Speaking of his previous counsel to Helaman, he asked if he believed the words he had told him about the records.

“And now, my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the records which have been entrusted with me; And I also command you that ye keep a record of this people, according as I have done, upon the plates of Nephi, and keep all these things sacred which I have kept, even as I have kept them; for it is for a wise purpose that they are kept. And these plates of brass, which contain these engravings, which have the records of the holy scriptures upon them, which have the genealogy of our forefathers, even from the beginning—Behold, it has been prophesied by our fathers, that they should be kept and handed down from one generation to another, and be kept and preserved by the hand of the Lord until they should go forth unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, that they shall know of the mysteries contained thereon” (Alma 37:1-4).

Helaman responds in a similar manner as did Nephi when speaking to the angel. “Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father” (1 Nephi 11:5).  He too believed the words of his father.

Alma asked if he believed in Christ.  Once again, Helaman responded he believed all his father’s words.  Will he keep the commandments he had given him? He responded he would with all his heart.  The scriptures emphasize the importance of keeping the Savior’s commandments.  “For I was my father's son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live” (Proverbs 4:3-4).

“He that keepeth the commandment keepeth his own soul; but he that despiseth his ways shall die” (Proverbs 19:16).

The Savior taught, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). “He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him” (John 14:21).

“And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).

“And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him.  And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us” (1 John 3:23-24).

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus” (Revelation 14:12).

“Wherefore, ye need not suppose that I and my father are the only ones that have testified, and also taught them.  Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day.  And thus it is.  Amen” (1 Nephi 22:31).

“And behold, all that he requires of you is to keep his commandments; and he has promised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth vary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do keep his commandments he doth bless you and prosper you” (Mosiah 2:22).

“I am not certain what went through Helaman’s mind as he prepared to give his final response. He knew the necessity of honoring his parents and respecting priesthood authority. His previous actions had verified this fact. I like to think that Helaman’s reply was promoted by a heartfelt desire to be obedient rather than by a fear of authority. Deep love of God and father were reflected in his words: ‘Yea, I will keep thy commandments with all my heart.’”[2]

Because of Helaman’s faith, he will be blessed by the Lord and prosper in the land.

“Alma knew that his teaching that the sources of evil are often internal was not always easy to hear. Indeed, he ended his ministry by delivering the flip side of the oft-quoted ‘Inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land’ (Alma 36:30), with an equal but opposite ‘Thus saith the Lord God—Cursed shall be the land, yea, this land’ (Alma 45:16). Alma’s entire nation, if not repentant, would become extinct (see Alma 45:11, 14). This was a prophecy so horrific that he commanded Helaman not to repeat it at the time (see Alma 45:9). Then, after blessing his sons, the earth, and the church, Alma departed out of the land for good (see Alma 45:8, 15–18). This is a decidedly different tone than the more positive side of Alma so often emphasized—the impact and elegance of his words in Alma 5, 29, 32, and 36, for instance. While his testimony of the Savior is crucial, we should not overlook this other way that he organized his writings. By getting a clearer picture of how Alma began and ended his testament with the influence of Nehor and the Amlicite-led dissenters of Nephite origin, we gain deeper insight into Alma’s understanding of individual and societal evil. Alma places his greatest emphasis on internal evil. The battle is most often fought within ourselves.”[3]

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[1] Parent-Child Interviews, Elder Carlos E. Asay, October 1983 General Conference.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Alma’s Enemies: The Case of the Lamanites, Amlicites, and Mysterious Amalekites, J. Christopher Conkling, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, 14/1 (2005): 117.