Helaman 3:19-37

Helaman continued service as the chief judge of the land. He followed the commandments and obeyed God in all things. He followed the example of his father. He had two sons. The oldest was named Nephi and the youngest Lehi.

The Nephites enjoyed a time of peace and prosperity. The secret combination headed by Gadianton had established themselves throughout the land. Their efforts were unknown to those running the government.

In spite of the robber bands, the Nephites enjoyed a time of great prosperity in the church. Thousands were baptized and joined the church.[1] The level of prosperity and blessing “poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure” (Helaman 3:25).

Mormon breaks into his narrative to share his comments with us. He begins by explaining the Lord is merciful to all who sincerely call on Him and follow Him. “But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile [GR Greek]: For there is no respect [GR partiality] of persons with God” (Romans 2:10-11). The gates of heaven are open to anyone who believes in our Savior. “Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keepeth the truth may enter in” (Isaiah 26:2).

Mormon continues. Whomever wants to can hold onto the word of God “And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul” (Jacob 2:8).

The word of God is quick and powerful. “For the word of God is quick [GR living], and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of [JST body and] soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). “LISTEN to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Lord, your God, and your Redeemer, whose word is quick and powerful” (D&C 27:1).

The word of God will divide all the cunning and snares of the devil. “Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words” (D&C 6:2).

God’s word will lead us to Christ on a strait and narrow course. “O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name” (2 Nephi 9:41).  “I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation” (2 Nephi 33:9).

The strait and narrow course will led the righteous across the gulf of misery prepared for the wicked. “And the large and spacious building, which thy father saw, is vain imaginations and the pride of the children of men. And a great and a terrible gulf divideth them; yea, even the word of the justice of the Eternal God, and the Messiah who is the Lamb of God, of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record, from the beginning of the world until this time, and from this time henceforth and forever” (1 Nephi 12:18).

“And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf, which separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end” (1 Nephi 15:28-30).

The souls of the righteous will land at the right hand of God.  “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).

How objectively factual were the reports by the original scribes? In many cases, obviously, they put down what they had directly observed, but our experience tells us that different people see the same event or situation in quite different ways. Mormon himself certainly colored some of his reporting with personal interpretation. This stance is often signaled by use of a phrase like “and thus we see” (for instance, in Helaman 3:23–31; 4:11–15, 20–26).[2]

After a few years of peace and prosperity, some pride began to enter into the hearts of those who were claimed to be members of the church.  “First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord” (D&C 112:26).

The pride of some members led to the persecution of the more humble members of the church.  That did not affect their faith.

They continued to obey God’s commandments.  They continued to fast and prayer.  Their humility was strengthened by their firm faith in Christ.

After a decade of service as chief judge, Helaman died.  Nephi was chose to replace his father.  Mormon tells us he continued to walk in righteousness, following the example of his father.

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[1]“And now there were seven churches in the land of Zarahemla. And it came to pass that whosoever were desirous to take upon them the name of Christ, or of God, they did join the churches of God; And they were called the people of God. And the Lord did pour out his Spirit upon them, and they were blessed, and prospered in the land” (Mosiah 25:23-24).

[2] Mormon’s Sources, John L. Sorenson, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 20/2 (2011): 12-13.

Helaman 3:1-18

Chapter 3

Many Nephites migrate to the land northward—They build houses of cement and keep many records—Tens of thousands are converted and baptized—The word of God leads men to salvation—Nephi the son of Helaman fills the judgment seat. About 49–39 B.C.

For three years, there was little contention among the Nephites. Mormon tells us there was some pride which caused minor dissensions, but they were settled.

Things changed after three years. There was contention and dissension among the people. A large group left Zarahemla and went into the land northward. About ten years earlier, another group left Zarahemla for the land northward. “And it came to pass that in the thirty and seventh year of the reign of the judges, there was a large company of men, even to the amount of five thousand and four hundred men, with their wives and their children, departed out of the land of Zarahemla into the land which was northward” (Alma 63:4).

The ended up in an area with lakes, ponds, and rivers. “This is the same land that Limhi’s search party found and mistook for a destroyed Zarahemla (see Mosiah 8:8; 21:26) and that was later settled by Nephites (see Helaman 3:3–6). Additionally, the land of Cumorah was apparently the place where the Mulekites first landed in the Americas (see Alma 22:29–31).”^[1] Mormon also referred to an area similar to this. “And it came to pass that we did march forth to the land of Cumorah, and we did pitch our tents around about the hill Cumorah; and it was in a land of many waters, rivers, and fountains; and here we had hope to gain advantage over the Lamanites” (Mormon 6:4).

They spread out across the land. They avoided places that were deserted and without trees. Previous occupants had destroyed part of the land. There was some timber, but most of the land was useless. In fact, the land was called “desolate” (Helaman 3:6).[2]

There being little timber in the land, the people built houses of cement. They spread throughout the land, in all possible directions.

In addition to cement house, people also lived in tents. They allowed any tree found to grow and increase timber available. They also built temples and synagogues. Additionally, they used shipping to obtain scarce resources.

“And it came to pass that Hagoth, he being an exceedingly curious man, therefore he went forth and built him an exceedingly large ship, on the borders of the land Bountiful, by the land Desolation, and launched it forth into the west sea, by the narrow neck which led into the land northward. And behold, there were many of the Nephites who did enter therein and did sail forth with much provisions, and also many women and children; and they took their course northward. And thus ended the thirty and seventh year. And in the thirty and eighth year, this man built other ships. And the first ship did also return, and many more people did enter into it; and they also took much provisions, and set out again to the land northward. And it came to pass that they were never heard of more. And we suppose that they were drowned in the depths of the sea. And it came to pass that one other ship also did sail forth; and whither she did go we know not” (Alma 63:5-8).

Cities were built with imported wood and cement. Among the Nephites were Ammonites. They joined the migration.

At this point, Mormon breaks into his account. He tells us he has access to numerous records[3] dealing with these people. In fact, he tells us the plates are quite large.

The amount of records he had available to him must have been large. He tells he cannot gives us more than “a hundredth” (Helaman 3:14) part of the history the Nephites. “And there had many things transpired which, in the eyes of some, would be great and marvelous; nevertheless, they cannot all be written in this book; yea, this book cannot contain even a hundredth part of what was done among so many people in the space of twenty and five years” (3 Nephi 5:8). “And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people” (3 Nephi 26:6).

There are numerous records and books of all kinds. He refers to this when referring to Ammaron hiding the plates. “And it came to pass that when ^*three hundred and twenty years had passed away, Ammaron, being constrained by the Holy Ghost, did hide up the records which were sacred—yea, even all the sacred records which had been handed down from generation to generation, which were sacred—even until the three hundred and twentieth year from the coming of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:48).

The plates have been handed down from one generation to another, until the Nephite civilization was destroyed.

In commenting upon his recording only a hundredth part of what he had available to him, Mormon wrote that there were many other particular and very large records of every kind that had been kept chiefly by the Nephites (see Helaman 3:13–15). The word chiefly indicates that the Lamanites also kept some records and implies that they were known to Mormon at the time he abridged the Nephite records. It is not stated how he knew of them or whether they were in his possession and had “been handed down from one generation to another by the Nephites” (Helaman 3:16). The context of Mormon’s comments does not rule out that possibility. His description of those records is certainly compatible with what the Prophet Joseph and Oliver Cowdery saw: “more plates than probably many wagon loads,” referred to earlier. There is no promise that these records will come forth, but if Mormon knew of them or had them and they were written on plates, that would be a possibility.[4]

He ends his discussion of the plates here and returns to his records.

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[1] What’s in a Name? The Name Cumorah, Paul Y. Hoskisson, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 13/1–2 (2004): 158.

[2] “And they came from there up into the south wilderness. Thus the land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which had come from the land northward for food” (Alma 22:31).

[3] “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).

[4] Other Ancient American Records Yet to Come Forth, Monte S. Nyman, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 10/1 (2001): 60.

Helaman 2:1-14

Chapter 2

Helaman the second becomes chief judge—Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen—Helaman's servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. About 50–49 B.C.

1 AND it came to pass in the ^*forty and second year of the reign of the judges, after Moronihah had established again peace between the Nephites and the Lamanites, behold there was no one to fill the judgment–seat; therefore there began to be a contention again among the people concerning who should fill the judgment–seat.

Moronihah had successfully defeated the Lamanites. Peach had been reestablished. The issue the Nephites faced was filling the vacant judgement seat. The Nephites being the Nephites, were not able to fill it peacefully. Contentions arose.

Eventually the people came together and selected Helaman, son of Helaman, grandson of Alma, great grandson of Alma.

Kishkumen[1] and his band were not pleased. They had supported one of their own for the judgement-seat. They decided Helaman was to be assassinated and replaced by their choice.

“When hostility has matured, on whatever side, it produces complete separation that leads to destruction, demonstrating that the Spirit of the Lord has withdrawn. This condition of people is no longer characterized by a love of riches as much as a hatred of one’s neighbors. This state of complete separation was introduced by ancient terrorists when they formed secret combinations that broke the laws and formed covenants to commit crimes against the innocent and to usurp political and economic power (see Helaman 2:3–5; 6:17–26, 38–39; 3 Nephi 3:4–7).”[2]

One person in Kishkumen’s band was named Gadianton.[3] He was effective at convincing those in the band to do what he wanted. He eventually replaced Kishkumen as the leader of the band of robbers and murderers.

Gadianton was an expert in the use of flattery. We see this is a tool used by the devil to further his work. David warned us to avoid flattery and the flatterer. “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).

He promised positions of power in the government if they were to assassinate Helaman. Kishkumen went to assassinate Helaman.

A servant of Helaman had learned about the plot. He put on a disguise and went to assist Kishkumen. Seeing Kishkumen, he gave him the prearranged sign, letting him know he would lead Kishkumen to Helaman.

Seeing Kishkumen, he told him he would lead him to the judgement-seat. These secret combinations go back to the beginning of human history. “And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan [IE "Mind," "destroyer," and "great one" are possible meanings of the roots evident in "Mahan."], and he gloried in his wickedness” (Moses 5:31).

Jacob, the brother of Nephi, would warn the Nephites against secret combinations at the beginning of the Nephite civilization. “Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations” (2 Nephi 10:15).

Kishkumen was pleased, believing the servant was helping him in his efforts to assassinate Helaman. As they approached the judgement-seat, the servant pulled out a knife and stabbed Kishkumen in the heart. He died instantly.

The servant ran and told Helaman about the plot and the band. Helaman sent troops to arrest the band. They would be executed according to Nephite law.

Meanwhile, back at the hideout, Gadianton became concerned. Kishkumen should have returned by now. He realized his plot was foiled and troops were on their way to arrest them. They fled into the wilderness. When the troop arrived, they found no one at the hideout. They couldn’t find where they fled.

Mormon breaks into the narrative to tell us we have not heard the last of Gadianton’s band. “The editorial commentary in the Book of Mormon often occurs at critical junctures in the narrative, such as crises of leadership, social disintegration, major spiritual transitions, and moral collapse…”^[4]

By the end of this book, “ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi. Behold I do not mean the end of the book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the book of Nephi, from which I have taken all the account which I have written” (Helaman 2:13-14).

Though the Nephite society will last for nearly half a millennium, we learn that 49 B.C. marks the beginning of the end of Nephite society. The Gadianton Robbers will be responsible for the destruction of the Nephites.

The Gadianton robbers are a particularly heinous example of dissension. They erode Nephite society from within and without and are motivated primarily by the evil objectives of Satan, not simply the personal ambitions of conquest, greed, and revenge. The contrast between following unrighteous personal ambitions and consciously embracing satanic objectives seems to distinguish “priestcrafts” in the Book of Mormon from “secret combinations.” The latter organize themselves according to the “secret oaths and covenants” of Satan and “spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land” in order to bring “the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell” (Helaman 6:25–30). Because of their categorical opposition to the covenant of the promised land, Mormon credits the “band of Gadianton” with “the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi” (Helaman 2:13).[5]

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[1] Now when those people who were desirous that he should be their governor saw that he was condemned unto death, therefore they were angry, and behold, they sent forth one Kishkumen, even to the judgment–seat of Pahoran, and murdered Pahoran as he sat upon the judgment–seat (Helaman 1:9).

[2] “No Poor Among Them,” Lindon J. Robison, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14/1 (2005): 94.

[3] And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were a band who had been formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton. And now it had come to pass that there were many, even among the Nephites, of Gadianton's band. But behold, they were more numerous among the more wicked part of the Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton's robbers and murderers (Helaman 6:18).

[4] Prophecy and History: Structuring the Abridgment of the Nephite Records, Steven L. Olsen, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 15/1 (2006): 20.

[5] Prospering in the Land of Promise, Steven L. Olsen, FARMS Review 22/1 (2010): 238.

Helaman 1-14-34

The Lamanites had been preparing for war and it came. A huge army came to attack the Nephites at Zarahemla. Here again, we see a Nephite dissenter who is responsible for the Lamanites going to war. “[T]he Nephites did not consider the Lamanites to be peaceful neighbors, and these unrighteous Lamanites did send armies from time to time to attack the Nephites, but there is no mistaking that the record emphasizes that the majority of the time, it was the Nephite dissenters who were the true ‘hard hearts’ who continually stirred up, recruited, and inspired the reluctant Lamanites to go into battle.”^[1]

The Lamanite army was led by a man named Coriantumr. “Hugh Nibley has argued for some kind of interaction and influence between the Jaredite and Lehite groups because of the continuance of such Jaredite names as Korihor (see Alma 30; Ether 7:3) and Coriantumr (see Helaman 1:15) in Nephite times.”^[2]

The Lamanite king was a son of Ammoron. He believed Coriantumr was the right choice to lead the army. He admired his strength and “wisdom.” He was confident he could defeat the Lamanites.

Because of the problems within Nephite society, they were not able to keep an adequate guard to protect the land of Zarahemla. They were confident the Lamanites would not attack the city of Zarahemla.

Coriantumr led the march against the Nephites. The army came upon the Nephites so quickly, they were not able to increase the troops guarding the city. The Lamanites were able to defeat all those who were protecting the land. They easily took possession of Zarahemla.

The chief judge, Pacumeni, attempted to flee Zarahemla. Coriantumr caught with him and killed him. The Nephites who survived were put in prison. He was confident to the point he was going to continue throughout the land.

Having taken the city, Coriantumr marched his army towards the city of Bountiful. He wanted to take control of the northern parts of the land. He assumed the Nephites were strongest in the center of the land. He wanted to move forward, preventing the Nephites from strengthening the armies.

General Moronihah, son of the great General Moroni, believed they would attack the cities near the borders. Moronihah had strengthened these armies.

The Lamanites did not fear the Nephite army. They arrived in the center of the land, leaving death and slaughter along the way. Many cities were taken.

Learning of the Lamanite slaughter, Moronihah ordered Lehi’s army to meet the invading army head-on. Lehi was successful in preventing them from coming into the land of Bountiful. The Lamanites were forced to retreat back towards Zarahemla.

Moronihah met the army as they retreated. A bloody battle ensued. Many were slain, including Coriantumr. There was no placed for the Lamanites to retreat as they were surrounded by Nephite armies.

Moronihah retook Zarahemla. He released Lamanite prisoners and they left the land in peace, having been thoroughly defeated.

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[1] Alma’s Enemies – The Case of the Lamanites, Amlicites, and Mysterious Amalekites, J. Christopher Conkling, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, Volume 14, Number 1, 2005: 116.

[2] A Few Thoughts from a Believing DNA Scientist, John M. Butler, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 12/1 (2003): 37.

Helaman 1:1-13

The Book of Helaman

An account of the Nephites. Their wars and contentions, and their dissensions. And also the prophecies of many holy prophets, before the coming of Christ, according to the records of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, and also according to the records of his sons, even down to the coming of Christ. And also many of the Lamanites are converted. An account of their conversion. An account of the righteousness of the Lamanites, and the wickedness and abominations of the Nephites, according to the record of Helaman and his sons, even down to the coming of Christ, which is called the book of Helaman.

Chapter 1

Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen—Pacumeni fills the judgment–seat—Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. About 52–50 B.C.

Two years have passed since the end of the war. During that time, Pahoran died and contention arose over who should have the judgement-seat. Three of Pahoran’s sons were contending for the seat.

The Gadianton movement first emerges among the Nephites with a political assassination, committed in roughly 52 B.C. during a time of division among the people and instability in the Nephite chief judgeship. Strong government actions, however, drive them from their original urban base into the wilderness, rendering them relatively invisible and ineffective.[1]

The three sons contending for the seat were Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni. These three were responsible for the divisions among the Nephites.

The voice of the people was heard and Pahoran was appointed to the judgement-seat. Pacumeni, having lost the seat, united with the people and supported Pahoran. Paanchi and his supporters, however, were angry over the results. They attempted to begin a rebellion.

The rebellion was stopped when Paanchi was tried according to the voice of the people and their law.[2] He was found guilty and condemned to death for rebellion and destroying the liberty of the people.

Seeing Paanchi was sentenced to death, they sent one Kishkumen to assassinate Pahoran. He succeeded and fled. He moved so fast, Pahoran’s servants could not catch him.

He returned to those who sent him. “[T]hey all entered into a covenant yea, swearing by their everlasting Maker, that they would tell no man that Kishkumen had murdered Pahoran.”

Here we see Satan attempted to imitate God. These evil men make a covenant and swear by God’s name. Only the devil could mock all righteousness by using sacred things to promote his attempts to thwart God’s plan.

Kishkumen disguised himself so he would not be recognized. It appears Kishkumen was well enough known had he not worn a disguise, he would have been recognized. Kishkumen and his band continued to be a part of Nephite society. Many were not found, but those that were, were executed for their crimes.

Pacumeni was appointed chief judge by the voice of the people.

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[1] Exploratory Notes on the Futuwwa and Its Several Incarnations, Daniel C. Peterson, pg. 305.

[2] “Therefore thou art condemned to die, according to the law which has been given us by Mosiah, our last king; and it has been acknowledged by this people; therefore this people must abide by the law” (Alma 1:14).

Alma 63:1-17

Chapter 63

Shiblon and later Helaman take possession of the sacred records—Many Nephites travel to the land northward—Hagoth builds ships, which sail forth in the west sea—Moronihah defeats the Lamanites in battle. About 56–52 B.C.

The Nephites are at peace. Their government has been restored and the Lamanites were defeated.

Before Helaman died, he passed the plates to his brother, Shiblon. We will later learn that Helaman₂ had a son named Helaman₃. Why he did not pass them to his son is not mentioned in the record.  Two possibilities are he was too young at the time of his father’s death or Helaman₃, while old enough to receive the records, was, for whatever reason, not ready to receive the plates.

He passed on sacred things. “And [King Benjamin] also taught [his sons] concerning the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, saying: My sons, I would that ye should remember that were it not for these plates, which contain these records and these commandments, we must have suffered in ignorance, even at this present time, not knowing the mysteries of God” (Mosiah 1:3). “And now, my son Helaman, I command you that ye take the records which have been entrusted with me … 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” (Alma 38:1,3).

After the war ended, General Moroni died. He was a young man, in his forties at the time of his death. It is not surprising he died a young man. He suffered numerous injuries during the wars he fought to defend Nephite freedom. He was a great and faithful man, serving his people and the Lord.

Around 55 B.C., a group of over ten thousand men, women, and children left Zarahemla and traveled into the land northward.[1]

We are also introduced to a man named Hagoth. He is described as a curious man and a ship builder.[2] The ship and travelled to explore the land northward. Many Nephites on the ship.

About a year later, the ship returned.  Hagoth built other ships and more Nephites left to travel with on the ship.  Alma’s son, Corianton, left on one of the ships. Nothing more is heard from the people.[3]  It is generally believed the people found and settles in the Polynesian Islands.

The promises concerning the descendants of Lehi are not confined to those on the lands of North and South America either, but include many who are upon the isles of the sea. Elder Mark E. Peterson taught, “As Latter-day Saints we have always believed that the Polynesians are descendants of Lehi and blood relatives of the American Indians, despite the contrary theories of other men” (in Conference Report, April 1962, 112). Elder Howard W. Hunter likewise stated: “It has been the position of the Church that Polynesians are related to the American Indians as descendants of Father Lehi, having migrated to the Pacific from America. . . . Our belief in this regard is scriptural (see Alma 63:4–10).”[4]

Shiblon was approaching the end of his life.  He knew the time had come to pass the sacred things to his nephew, Helaman₃.

There is reason to believe that when successive portions of the master record were added, they were labeled “the book of so-and-so” even though they were integral parts of “the plates of Nephi.” While named after the principal individual who began each section, they sometimes also included records kept by that person’s descendants (e.g., Alma 63:17, “the account of Alma, and Helaman his son, and also Shiblon, who was his son”). It seems reasonable that each of the component books represented a number of metal plates manufactured at the onset of the named scribe’s tenure; these would have been filled up by him and his descendants, after which a new major writer would craft new plates and begin another installment of the ongoing historical record.[5]

Nephite dissenters, who had joined the Lamanites, stirred them up and they attacked the city of Moronihah.  The Nephites successfully beat the Lamanites, but the suffered great losses.

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[1] “[T]he land on the northward was called Desolation, and the land on the southward was called Bountiful, it being the wilderness which is filled with all manner of wild animals of every kind, a part of which had come from the land northward for food” (Alma 22:31); “And it came to pass in the forty and sixth, yea, there was much contention and many dissensions; in the which there were an exceedingly great many who departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and went forth unto the land northward to inherit the land” (Helaman 3:3).

[2] This is why he is called Hagoth, the ship builder.

[3] Hagoth was a Nephite shipbuilder who constructed ships that took colonizers into the land northward (see Alma 63:5). Contrary to LDS folklore, there is no indication in the text that Hagoth himself sailed on any of them (see Alma 63:6–9). Book of Mormon Names Attested in Ancient Hebrew Inscriptions, John A. Tvedtnes, John Gee, and Matthew Roper, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 9/1 (2000): 47.

[4] Losing the Remnant: The New Exclusivist “Movement” and the Book of Mormon, Matthew Roper, FARMS Review 22/2 (2010): 113, footnote 50.

[5] Mormon’s Sources, John L. Sorenson, Journal of Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture, 2011, Volume 20, Number 2: 11. 

Alma 62:20-52

The war with the Lamanites continues. Moroni has defeated the king-men who took over the government, restoring the people’s freedoms. The armies had been supplies and reinforced. Moroni is ready to retake lands the Lamanites held. They have camped around the city of Nephihah.

Under the cover of darkness, Moroni went to the top of the city wall to spy on the Lamanites. He saw where they were camped and were asleep.

He returned and had his army prepare strong cords and ladders so they would be able to climb down the wall into the city. Moroni moved his army to Nephihah and they entered the city away on the opposite part of the city from where the Lamanites were camped. By morning, the whole army was in the city.

Imagine going to sleep, your city secure and then enemy outside the walls. When you wake up, you see the enemy army inside your city. The Lamanites fled from the city.

Moroni followed them and killed many. The rest were taken prisoner. Moroni and Pahoran had retaken Nephihah with no Nephite deaths.

Many Lamanite prisoners let it be known they wanted to join the Ammonites and become free. Their desire was granted. Joining the Ammonites, they became active members of the Ammonite community.

This helped the Nephite army because they did not have to deal with many prisoners. They also freed Nephite prisoners. Moroni next moved his army to the land of Lehi.

Seeing Moroni’s army approaching, the Lamanites fled. Moroni pursued them from city–to–city until the Lamanites were met by the armies under the leadership of Lehi and Teancum. The faced each other in the land of Moroni. Ammoron, the Lamanite king, was with the army.

The Nephite armies camped around the borders of the land of Moroni. Both armies were tired from the march so both sides ceased fighting for the night. Except Teancum.

Teancum was angry with Ammoron. Ammoron and his brother, Amalickiah, were responsible for the war that had caused so many deaths as well as famine in many lands. He decided to take things into his own hands.

When hostility is fully grown, it inevitably leads to war, and in war’s wake follows famine and poverty. The Book of Mormon reports that a great and lasting war between the Lamanites and Nephites caused much loss of life and famine (see Alma 62:35, 39). In our time, the major famines in recent years—famines that have accounted for the deaths of tens of millions of people—have all occurred in war zones: examples include Biafra, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Chad, Sudan, Liberia, and Somalia.

War creates poverty in the following ways. First, it removes young men and capable older men and women from the workforce and sacrifices them for the war effort. Second, war teaches combatants to hate each other so that the possibility of future commerce between them is reduced. Finally, war soaks up resources that could otherwise be put to productive uses to mitigate the plight of the poor. We can imagine a similar situation among Book of Mormon peoples during periods of conflict.[1]

He left the camp at night and entered the city. He searched the city until he found Ammoron. He killed him with a javelin. Before Ammoron died, he cried out and woke up his servants. They followed Teancum and caught up with him and killed him.

Teancum was a great man. He fought for the freedom of his people and was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice ensuring those freedoms. It is right he be remembered these two millennia later.

The next day, Moroni’s army met the Lamanites. The battle was a rout. Thousands of Lamanites were killed and the rest were driven from the land. They did not return to fight the Nephites.

In the Book of Mormon there are no triumphal hero celebration scenes akin to the praise received by Saul or David (see 1 Samuel 18:7; 2 Samuel 6:15–16). In fact, war is seen as the destructive force that it is, leading not only to death by violent means but also to famine (see Alma 62:35, 39), either because armies ravage the crops or because farmers must leave their fields to fight and have no time to plant.[2]

In spite of the wickedness found among the Nephites, they were spared. They were spared because of the prayers of the righteous. Because of the length of the war, many had hardened their hearts and many were softened because of their afflictions. They humbled themselves before God.

Moroni fortified the parts of the land most vulnerable to a Lamanite attack. Once that was done, Moroni and Helaman returned to the land of Zarahemla. At that time, Moroni stepped down as the commander of the Nephite armies. His son, Moronihah, was appointed to take his place.

Pahoran was returned to the judgement seat.  Helaman resumed his work with the church.  The word of God was declared to the people. “And by your hands I will work a marvelous work among the children of men, unto the convincing of many of their sins, that they may come unto repentance, and that they may come unto the kingdom of my Father” (D&C 18:44).  Many were convinced to repent and were baptized. 

Things had been restored to normal.  The church was reestablished throughout the land.  Judges were chosen.  The people began to prosper in the land.

The people continued to remember the Lord.  They were not lifted up in pride.  They continued to humble themselves before God.  The remembered the Lord and all he had done for them during the war. 

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[1] “No Poor Among Them,” Lindon J. Robison, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 14/1 (2005): 97.

[2] Women in the Book of Mormon: Inclusion, Exclusion, and Interpretation, Camille S. Williams, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies 11/1 (2002): 78.

Alma 62:1-19

Chapter 62

Moroni marches to the aid of Pahoran in the land of Gideon—The king–men who refuse to defend their country are put to death—Pahoran and Moroni retake Nephihah—Many Lamanites join the people of Ammon—Teancum slays Ammoron and is in turn slain—The Lamanites are driven from the land, and peace is established—Helaman returns to the ministry and builds up the Church. About 62–57 B.C.

Moroni received Pahoran’s epistle with great joy. He was pleased to know Pahoran was not a traitor but was still faithful and fighting for freedom.

He was saddened by the wickedness of those who drove Pahoran from the judgement seat and rebelled against God and country.

Moroni put together a small group of men and placed Lehi and Teancum in command over the army that stayed behind. Moroni and his army carried his standard of liberty wherever they went. Thousands joined the army to defend their freedoms as they marched towards the land of Gideon.[1]

They arrived at Gideon and the forces of Pahoran joined with his army. They became stronger than the king-men’s army. They marched on to the land of Zarahemla and met the army of the “king,” Pachus. A battle commenced.

Pachus died in the fighting and his men were taken prisoners. Pahoran was returned to the judgement-seat.

The prisoners were tried according to the law. The king-men who refused to defend their freedoms were executed. It was necessary the law be enforced. If they refused to fight to defend their country, they were a threat to freedom.

The year ended with the Pahoran being restored to the judgment seat and peace being restored throughout the land of Zarahemla. The unrepentant rebels had been put to death.

Having restored the government, Moroni arranged for provisions and over six thousand men to be sent to Helaman, Lehi, and Teancum. This allowed them to fortify the land taken from the Lamanites.

Moroni and Phaoran left a large army in the lnad of Zarahemla. The remainder of the troops marched towards the land of Nephihah,[2] determined to defeat the Lamanites in the land.

As they approached the land, they faced a large body of Lamanites. They were able to defeat them. The Lamanites suffered numerous casualties, lost their possession as well as their weapons. The Lamanites were forced to enter into a covenant[3] they would no longer fight the Nephites and were sent to live with the Ammonites. 

They continued their march and entered the land of Nephihah.  They arrived near the city of Nephihah and set up camp near the city.  Moroni hoped the Lamanites would attack, but they didn’t because of the strength and courage of the Nephite army.

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[1] “And behold, I have sent a proclamation throughout this part of the land; and behold, they are flocking to us daily, to their arms, in the defence of their country and their freedom, and to avenge our wrongs” (Alma 61:6).

[2] “And now, when Moroni saw that the city of Nephihah was lost he was exceedingly sorrowful, and began to doubt, because of the wickedness of the people, whether they should not fall into the hands of their brethren” (Alma 59:11).

[3] “Now there were many, when they heard these words and saw the scalp which was upon the sword, that were struck with fear; and many came forth and threw down their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni, and entered into a covenant of peace. And as many as entered into a covenant they suffered to depart into the wilderness … And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should cease again among the people. And he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness” (Alma 44:15, 20).

Alma 61:1-21

Chapter 61

Pahoran tells Moroni of the insurrection and rebellion against the government—The king–men take Zarahemla and are in league with the Lamanites—Pahoran asks for military aid against the rebels. About 62 B.C.

We have read General Moroni’s angry letter to Pahoran and the government. We will now discuss Pahoran’s response.

Elder Neal Maxwell summarizes Chapters 60 and 61. “Moroni was not the first underinformed leader to conclude that another leader was not doing enough. Nor was Pahoran’s sweet, generous response to his “beloved brother” Moroni the last such that will be needed.”[1]

Pahoran begins his letter by telling Moroni he is grieved by the sufferings of your troops.[2]

There are, however, those who rejoice in the suffering of those in the army. These people have began a rebellion against him, the government, and the people who are freemen.[3] The number of those in rebellion were numerous.

They have attempted to overthrow the government and place a new chief judge on the judgement seat. They have flattered the people and led them away. “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). “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).

These are those who have withheld provisions and prevented additional troops being sent to strengthen the army.

Those in rebellion succeed in forcing Pahoran to flee for his safety to the land of Gideon. In the land of Gideon, people were coming and joining the army, preparing to defend their country and freedoms.[4]

The army being formed is so strong the rebels refused to meet them in battle. The rebels held the land of Zarahemla and appointed a king to rule the land. He is protecting the land with the hope it will allow the Lamanites to defeat the Nephites. He hoped he would be appointed king of the land when the Lamanites took over the land.

He acknowledge Moroni had condemned him,[5] but that didn’t matter. He was not angry; to the contrary, he rejoiced in Moroni’s passion. The only reason Pahoran wanted to retain the judgement seat was to preserve the rights and freedoms of his people. He supports the God given liberty responsible for the freedom.

He would do all he could to resist wickedness, even if it meant war. Like Helaman, he would rather not fight and kill the Lamanites.[6] All they had to do was stay in their own lands. Likewise, the only reason he will fight Nephites is because some rose up in rebellion and began a civil war.

Pahoran would allow themselves to enter bondage if this were a requirement of the justice of God or His command. He doesn’t command them to enter bondage. He requires they place their faith and trust He will deliver them. “Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them” (Psalms 22:4).

“The LORD redeemeth the soul of his servants: and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate” (Psalms 34:22).

“Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us.” (Psalms 62:8).

“O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield” (Psalms 115:9).

“It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man” (Psalms 118:8).

Let us all resist evil. Even if there are times we cannot resist rebellions and dissensions with our words, we can resist evil with swords so we can keep our freedoms and the way we worship. “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 43:47).

Pahoran requested Moroni gather a small army together. Leave the remainder of the army under the command Teancum and Lehi, Moroni was told. Give them the authority to conduct the war as guided by the Spirit of God, which is also the spirit of freedom. “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty” (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Some provisions had been sent to Teancum and Lehi to keep the armies functioning.

With Moroni’s assistance, “in the strength of God according to the faith which is in us” (Alma 61:17), they will be able to retake possession of the land of Zarahemla. They will be able to send provisions and reinforcements to the army.

Pahoran was worried about Moroni and his troops. He gave his last orders.

“See that ye strengthen Lehi and Teancum in the Lord;[7] tell them to fear not, for God will deliver them, yea, and also all those who stand fast in that liberty wherewith God hath made them free. And now I close mine epistle to my beloved brother, Moroni” (Alma 61:21).

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[1] Notwithstanding My Weakness, Elder Neal A. Maxwell, October 1976 General Conference.

[2] “And now behold, I say unto you that myself, and also my men, and also Helaman and his men, have suffered exceedingly great sufferings; yea, even hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions of every kind … Can you think to sit upon your thrones in a state of thoughtless stupor” (Alma 60:3, 7).

[3] “And those who were desirous that Pahoran should remain chief judge over the land took upon them the name of freemen; and thus was the division among them, for the freemen had sworn or covenanted to maintain their rights and the privileges of their religion by a free government. And it came to pass that this matter of their contention was settled by the voice of the people. And it came to pass that the voice of the people came in favor of the freemen, and Pahoran retained the judgment–seat, which caused much rejoicing among the brethren of Pahoran and also many of the people of liberty, who also put the king–men to silence, that they durst not oppose but were obliged to maintain the cause of freedom” (Alma 51:6-7).

[4] “And it came to pass that thousands did flock unto his standard, and did take up their swords in the defence of their freedom, that they might not come into bondage” (Alma 62:5).

[5] “For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified” (D&C 101:5).

[6] “For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.” (Alma 56:46).

[7] “And I will strengthen them in the LORD; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the LORD” (Zechariah 10:12).