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.
[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).
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