Alma 20:1-25

Chapter 20

The Lord sends Ammon to Middoni to deliver his imprisoned brethren—Ammon and Lamoni meet Lamoni’s father, who is king over all the land—Ammon compels the old king to approve the release of his brethren. About 90 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that when they had established a church in that land, that king Lamoni desired that Ammon should go with him to the land of Nephi, that he might show him unto his father.

2 And the voice of the Lord came to Ammon, saying: Thou shalt not go up to the land of Nephi, for behold, the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah are in prison.

3 Now it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he said unto Lamoni: Behold, my brother and brethren are in prison at Middoni, and I go that I may deliver them.

4 Now Lamoni said unto Ammon: I know, in the strength of the Lord thou canst do all things. But behold, I will go with thee to the land of Middoni; for the king of the land of Middoni, whose name is Antiomno, is a friend unto me; therefore I go to the land of Middoni, that I may flatter the king of the land, and he will cast thy brethren out of prison. Now Lamoni said unto him: Who told thee that thy brethren were in prison?

5 And Ammon said unto him: No one hath told me, save it be God; and he said unto me—Go and deliver thy brethren, for they are in prison in the land of Middoni.

6 Now when Lamoni had heard this he caused that his servants should make ready his horses and his chariots.

7 And he said unto Ammon: Come, I will go with thee down to the land of Middoni, and there I will plead with the king that he will cast thy brethren out of prison.

8 And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were journeying thither, they met the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.

9 And behold, the father of Lamoni said unto him: Why did ye not come to the feast on that great day when I made a feast unto my sons, and unto my people?

10 And he also said: Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who is one of the children of a liar?

11 And it came to pass that Lamoni rehearsed unto him whither he was going, for he feared to offend him.

12 And he also told him all the cause of his tarrying in his own kingdom, that he did not go unto his father to the feast which he had prepared.

13 And now when Lamoni had rehearsed unto him all these things, behold, to his astonishment, his father was angry with him, and said: Lamoni, thou art going to deliver these Nephites, who are sons of a liar. Behold, he robbed our fathers; and now his children are also come amongst us that they may, by their cunning and their lyings, deceive us, that they again may rob us of our property.

14 Now the father of Lamoni commanded him that he should slay Ammon with the sword. And he also commanded him that he should not go to the land of Middoni, but that he should return with him to the land of Ishmael.

15 But Lamoni said unto him: I will not slay Ammon, neither will I return to the land of Ishmael, but I go to the land of Middoni that I may release the brethren of Ammon, for I know that they are just men and holy prophets of the true God.

16 Now when his father had heard these words, he was angry with him, and he drew his sword that he might smite him to the earth.

17 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.

18 And again, it is expedient that thou shouldst forbear; for if thou shouldst slay thy son, he being an innocent man, his blood would cry from the ground to the Lord his God, for vengeance to come upon thee; and perhaps thou wouldst lose thy soul.

19 Now when Ammon had said these words unto him, he answered him, saying: I know that if I should slay my son, that I should shed innocent blood; for it is thou that hast sought to destroy him.

20 And he stretched forth his hand to slay Ammon. But Ammon withstood his blows, and also smote his arm that he could not use it.

21 Now when the king saw that Ammon could slay him, he began to plead with Ammon that he would spare his life.

22 But Ammon raised his sword, and said unto him: Behold, I will smite thee except thou wilt grant unto me that my brethren may be cast out of prison.

23 Now the king, fearing he should lose his life, said: If thou wilt spare me I will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to half of the kingdom.

24 Now when Ammon saw that he had wrought upon the old king according to his desire, he said unto him: If thou wilt grant that my brethren may be cast out of prison, and also that Lamoni may retain his kingdom, and that ye be not displeased with him, but grant that he may do according to his own desires in whatsoever thing he thinketh, then will I spare thee; otherwise I will smite thee to the earth.

25 Now when Ammon had said these words, the king began to rejoice because of his life. (Alma 20:1-25)

Under King Lamoni’s direction, Ammon established a church in his kingdom. Once that was done, he wanted him to travel with him to the land of Nephi and meet his father.

But, the Lord spoke to Ammon. He was told not to go to the land of Nephi. Lamoni’s father would attempt to kill him. Instead, he was told to go to the land of Middoni. His brother Aaron, as well as two of their party, Muloki and Ammah, were in prison.

Hearing this, Lamoni told him he was friend with the Antiomno, the king of Middoni. He offered to go with him to convince him to release his brethren.

He asked, who told him they were in prison? The Lord told him. He was commanded to free his brethren.

Lamoni had his servants prepare his horses and chariots for their journey.

As they travelled to Middoni, they met Lamoni’s father. He was king over all the land.

“Lamanite society appears to have been organized into various lands and cities, with each land apparently presided over by a territorial king, who in turn was superintended by the king of the entire Lamanite population. For example, we know that Lamoni and Antiomno were kings of separate Lamanite lands (Alma 17:21 and 20:4), while king Lamoni’s father was king ‘over all the land’ (Alma 20:8; 22:1) and had power to restrict or expand, at least to some degree, the rights of the other kings (Alma 20:24, 26; 21:21).”[1]

When they met, his father was not pleased Lamoni did not attend the feast he had prepared. “Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land” (Alma 18:9).

He was also angry that Lamoni was with a Nephite, “who is one of the children of a liar” (Alma 20:10). Nearly half a millennia has passed, yet the Lamanites still hate the Nephites because Nephi was more righteous and faithful than Laman and Lemuel.

“They were a wild, and ferocious, and a blood-thirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this—Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea;

“And again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance, after they had crossed the sea, and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord—therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness.

“And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord; they were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord.

“And again, they were wroth with him when they had arrived in the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him.

“And again, they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him, and took the records which were engraven on the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them.

“And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them; therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi” (Mosiah 10:12-17).

Lamoni feared offending his father, so he told him why he remained in his kingdom, missing his father’s feast.

His father was angry with him. He again reminded him of what, the Lamanites believed, Nephi had done by robbing Laman and Lemuel of their birthright. Not only did he rob them, but the Nephites were coming among they to, by their cunning and lies, deceive them and steal their property.

Lamoni’s father commanded him to kill Ammon. He ordered him not to go to Middoni, but to return with him to the land of Ishmael. Lamoni refused. He told him he was going to Middoni to obtain the release of the prisoners. He testified they were “just men and holy prophets of the true God” (Alma 20:15).

He father was angry enough that he drew his sword with the intentions of killing his son. Ammon stopped him. He responded, telling the king Lamoni would be better off if he had died after repenting of his sins. If he fell, his soul would be lost.

If he killed his son, he had killed an innocent man. His blood would cry to the Lord for vengeance. He might well lose his soul.

The king admitted his son was an innocent man. But, it was Ammon, not him, who desired to destroy his soul. He attempted to kill Ammon, but he was unsuccessful. Ammon struck his arm. The king could no longer wield his sword.

Seeing his situation, he pleaded with Ammon, begging him to spare his life. Ammon said the only way he would spare him is if he orders his brethren to be released from prison.

He also demanded that Lamoni be allowed to keep his kingdom. He was not to be displeased with Lamoni, allowing him to retain his kingdom. He was to have the freedom to do whatever he desired with his kingdom. If he doesn’t do this, Ammon will slay him.

Hearing this, the king rejoiced his life would be spared.

“Ammon’s journey with Lamoni to the land of Middoni to deliver his three brothers from prison brings to a climactic focus the question of power and control (Alma 20). Here, the king over all the land commands Lamoni to slay Ammon, then tries to kill Ammon himself. However, he is withstood and put in peril of his life, offering Ammon at that point ‘whatsoever thou wilt ask, even to the half of the kingdom’ (Alma 20:23). For the third time refusing earthly glory or power, Ammon asks only for freedom for his brothers and for Lamoni. This refusal of earthly power opens the way for Ammon to counter a cause of anger held by the Lamanites for centuries, their belief that Nephi had robbed them, that Laman and Lemuel’s younger brother had taken over in both land and leadership. Ammon teaches Lamoni, among other things, ‘concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael [Lamoni is a descendent of Ishmael], yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them’ (Alma 18:38). Then before the king over all the land, he responds to the Lamanite view that the Nephites are sons of a liar and a robber (Nephi; cf. Alma 20:13). By foregoing earthly power, Ammon shows forth God’s power and thus opens up the most significant missionary harvest in the Book of Mormon. The editor’s (Mormon’s) heavily repeated use of the word translated as ‘power’ drives home that point.”[2]

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[1] Were the Ammonites Pacifists? Duane Boyce,  Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 18/1 (2009): 34-35.

[2] Recurrence in Book of Mormon Narratives, Richard Dilworth Rust, Maxwell Institute website.

Alma 19:28-36

28 And thus the contention began to be exceedingly sharp among them. And while they were thus contending, the woman servant who had caused the multitude to be gathered together came, and when she saw the contention which was among the multitude she was exceedingly sorrowful, even unto tears.

29 And it came to pass that she went and took the queen by the hand, that perhaps she might raise her from the ground; and as soon as she touched her hand she arose and stood upon her feet, and cried with a loud voice, saying: O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people!

30 And when she had said this, she clasped her hands, being filled with joy, speaking many words which were not understood; and when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose and stood upon his feet.

31 And he, immediately, seeing the contention among his people, went forth and began to rebuke them, and to teach them the words which he had heard from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard his words believed, and were converted unto the Lord.

32 But there were many among them who would not hear his words; therefore they went their way.

33 And it came to pass that when Ammon arose he also administered unto them, and also did all the servants of Lamoni; and they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing—that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil.

34 And behold, many did declare unto the people that they had seen angels and had conversed with them; and thus they had told them things of God, and of his righteousness.

35 And it came to pass that there were many that did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they became a righteous people, and they did establish a church among them.

36 And thus the work of the Lord did commence among the Lamanites; thus the Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name. (Alma 19:28-36)

Contention and confusion reigned among the multitude. Instead of them seeing the hand of the Lord as Abish hoped, she saw chaos. Her sorrow brought her to tears. She stepped in to take control.

She took the queen by the hand. No sooner did she touch her hand, the queen stood up. She cried, “O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy on this people” (Alma 19:29).

An angel showed Nephi₁ this awful hell. “And that great pit, which hath been digged for them by that great and abominable church, which was founded by the devil and his children, that he might lead away the souls of men down to hell—yea, that great pit which hath been digged for the destruction of men shall be filled by those who digged it, unto their utter destruction, saith the Lamb of God; not the destruction of the soul, save it be the casting of it into that hell which hath no end” (1 Nephi 14:3).

Being filled with joy, she said things the multitude could not understand. She then took Lamoni by the hand. He stood up.

“Here we have women involved in prophecy, healing, speaking in tongues, and visions … At this point in the story, the queen, like Abish, has had her own witness directly from the Lord, and she can in nowise be considered ‘spiritually dependent’ on her husband with respect to her knowledge.”[1]

He saw the contention and began to rebuke them. He taught them what Ammon had taught him. There were those who heard his words, believed, and were converted; however, many rejected his words and left.

In spite of all the miracles the Savior did, he was rejected by many.

“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.

“While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

“But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him” (John 12:35-37).

Ammon then stood up and administered to the people. He was joined by Lamoni’s servants. The people declared their hearts had been changed. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

Many declared they had seen and conversed with angels. They taught them about God and His righteousness.

Many believed their words and were baptized. They established a church and became a righteous people. “[T]he Lord did begin to pour out his Spirit upon them; and we see that his arm is extended to all people who will repent and believe on his name” (Alma 19:36).

“Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you” (Alma 5:33).

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[1] Nephite Feminism Revisited: Thoughts on Carol Lynn Pearson's View of Women in the Book of Mormon, Kevin and Shauna Christensen, Maxwell Institute website.

Fun Book of Mormon Song

Alma 19:16-27

16 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their might, even until they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father—

17 Thus, having been converted to the Lord, and never having made it known, therefore, when she saw that all the servants of Lamoni had fallen to the earth, and also her mistress, the queen, and the king, and Ammon lay prostrate upon the earth, she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity, by making known unto the people what had happened among them, that by beholding this scene it would cause them to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people.

18 And they began to assemble themselves together unto the house of the king. And there came a multitude, and to their astonishment, they beheld the king, and the queen, and their servants prostrate upon the earth, and they all lay there as though they were dead; and they also saw Ammon, and behold, he was a Nephite.

19 And now the people began to murmur among themselves; some saying that it was a great evil that had come upon them, or upon the king and his house, because he had suffered that the Nephite should remain in the land.

20 But others rebuked them, saying: The king hath brought this evil upon his house, because he slew his servants who had had their flocks scattered at the waters of Sebus.

21 And they were also rebuked by those men who had stood at the waters of Sebus and scattered the flocks which belonged to the king, for they were angry with Ammon because of the number which he had slain of their brethren at the waters of Sebus, while defending the flocks of the king.

22 Now, one of them, whose brother had been slain with the sword of Ammon, being exceedingly angry with Ammon, drew his sword and went forth that he might let it fall upon Ammon, to slay him; and as he lifted the sword to smite him, behold, he fell dead.

23 Now we see that Ammon could not be slain, for the Lord had said unto Mosiah, his father: I will spare him, and it shall be unto him according to thy faith—therefore, Mosiah trusted him unto the Lord.

24 And it came to pass that when the multitude beheld that the man had fallen dead, who lifted the sword to slay Ammon, fear came upon them all, and they durst not put forth their hands to touch him or any of those who had fallen; and they began to marvel again among themselves what could be the cause of this great power, or what all these things could mean.

25 And it came to pass that there were many among them who said that Ammon was the Great Spirit, and others said he was sent by the Great Spirit;

26 But others rebuked them all, saying that he was a monster, who had been sent from the Nephites to torment them.

27 And there were some who said that Ammon was sent by the Great Spirit to afflict them because of their iniquities; and that it was the Great Spirit that had always attended the Nephites, who had ever delivered them out of their hands; and they said that it was this Great Spirit who had destroyed so many of their brethren, the Lamanites. (Alma 19:16-27)

The king, queen, and Ammon had been overcome by the Spirit and were lying on the floor. The servants began to call on the Lord until they, too, fell to the ground, with one exception.

We are introduced to Abish. She had been converted to the Lord for years. This is because of a vision of her father. What was this vision?

“Note that the text does not specify a vision ‘that her father had’ or a ‘vision of her father’s.’ It says ‘a vision of her father.’ It seems a better reading to credit Abish with having a vision of her father, which led to her conversion … But yet, once someone (in this case, John Hansen) provides a better reading, the possibility seems quite obvious. Clearly, we all need to read more carefully.”[1]

She never told anyone one about the vision and her conversion. Seeing the servants, the queen, king, and Ammon prostrate on the ground, she recognized the power of God.

She saw this as an opportunity for the people to see the power of God. She ran from house-to-house, telling the people what happened.

The people came to the house of the king. They were astonished to see the king, queen, and servants lying on the ground like they were dead. They also saw Ammon and knew he was a Nephite.

The people began to complain, Some said this was evil. It was brought upon the king because he allowed a Nephite to remain in the land.

Others claimed the king brought this evil upon himself. This is because he killed servants who had their flocks scattered as the waters of Sebus.

Also in the crowd were those who faced Ammon at the waters of Sebus. They remembered he had killed many of their gang while defending the king’s flocks.

The brother of one of the dead wanted his revenge. He took his sword and intended to kill Ammon. As he lifted his sword, he fell dead.

Mormon reminds us of the Lord’s promise to King Mosiah. “And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites” (Mosiah 28:7).

Seeing the man struck dead, the crowd was overcome by fear. They didn’t dare to touch Ammon or any of those who had fallen. They were amazed and wondered what was responsible for this power and what it meant.

Many speculated that Ammon was the Great Spirit or he was sent by the Great Spirit.

Others disagreed. They believed he was a monster, sent by the Nephites to torment them.

Then we had a group who believed he was sent by the Great Spirit to make them miserable them because of their sins. This same Great Spirit had watched over the Nephites and had been delivered from the Lamanites. The Great Spirit was who killed so many Lamanites.

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[1] Nephite Feminism Revisited: Thoughts on Carol Lynn Pearson’s View of Women in the Book of Mormon, Kevin Christensen and Shauna Christensen, Maxwell Institute.

Alma 19:1-15

Chapter 19

Lamoni receives the light of everlasting life and sees the Redeemer—His household falls into a trance, and many see angels—Ammon is preserved miraculously—He baptizes many and establishes a church among them. About 90 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that after two days and two nights they were about to take his body and lay it in a sepulchre, which they had made for the purpose of burying their dead.

2 Now the queen having heard of the fame of Ammon, therefore she sent and desired that he should come in unto her.

3 And it came to pass that Ammon did as he was commanded, and went in unto the queen, and desired to know what she would that he should do.

4 And she said unto him: The servants of my husband have made it known unto me that thou art a prophet of a holy God, and that thou hast power to do many mighty works in his name;

5 Therefore, if this is the case, I would that ye should go in and see my husband, for he has been laid upon his bed for the space of two days and two nights; and some say that he is not dead, but others say that he is dead and that he stinketh, and that he ought to be placed in the sepulchre; but as for myself, to me he doth not stink.

6 Now, this was what Ammon desired, for he knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness—yea, this light had infused such joy into his soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God—

7 Therefore, what the queen desired of him was his only desire. Therefore, he went in to see the king according as the queen had desired him; and he saw the king, and he knew that he was not dead.

8 And he said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God, and on the morrow he shall rise again; therefore bury him not.

9 And Ammon said unto her: Believest thou this? And she said unto him: I have had no witness save thy word, and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said.

10 And Ammon said unto her: Blessed art thou because of thy exceeding faith; I say unto thee, woman, there has not been such great faith among all the people of the Nephites.

11 And it came to pass that she watched over the bed of her husband, from that time even until that time on the morrow which Ammon had appointed that he should rise.

12 And it came to pass that he arose, according to the words of Ammon; and as he arose, he stretched forth his hand unto the woman, and said: Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou.

13 For as sure as thou livest, behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name. Now, when he had said these words, his heart was swollen within him, and he sunk again with joy; and the queen also sunk down, being overpowered by the Spirit.

14 Now Ammon seeing the Spirit of the Lord poured out according to his prayers upon the Lamanites, his brethren, who had been the cause of so much mourning among the Nephites, or among all the people of God because of their iniquities and their traditions, he fell upon his knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God for what he had done for his brethren; and he was also overpowered with joy; and thus they all three had sunk to the earth.

15 Now, when the servants of the king had seen that they had fallen, they also began to cry unto God, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them also, for it was they who had stood before the king and testified unto him concerning the great power of Ammon. (Alma 19:1-15)

Two days have passed since Lamoni was overcome by the spirit. The servants were ready to take his body and lay it in a sepulchre. The queen had heard of Ammon. She sent for him to speak to her.

Ammon went to the queen and asked what she wanted from him.

She told him the servants said he was a prophet of God and did mighty works in His name. If this is true, she asked he go to her husband. He has been on his bed for two days. Some say he is not dead. Other say he is and should be placed in a sepulchre.

Ammon knew the king was under the power of God. The veil of unbelief was being lifted and the light which was the glory of God was removing the clouds of darkness. What the queen desired, Ammon did also. He went to the king and, when he saw him, he knew he was not dead.

He returned to the queen. He told her “he is not dead, but he sleepeth in God” (Alma 19:8). He will rise again tomorrow, so don’t bury him.

He asked the queen if she believed this. She replied she had not witness other than Ammon’s word as well as the servants’ word. Even so, he believed Ammon.

Ammon told her she was blessed because of her faith. In fact, he told her, her faith was greater than the faith among the Nephites.

“By believing Ammon, a witness for the Lord's hand in the matter, she demonstrated a faith greater than any Ammon had witnessed among the Nephites (see Alma 19:10). She was quite obviously teachable and amenable to the Spirit, despite her elevated social status and Ammon's servant/alien status.”[1]

The queen watched over her husband from that time until the next day.

That day, Lamoni arose from his bed. He told his wife, “Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou” (Alma 19:12).

He announced he had seen his Redeemer. He prophesied of his mission, which will redeem all who believe in Him.

Both Lamoni and his queen were overcome by the Spirit and they collapsed to the ground.

The Spirit had been poured out upon the Lamanites through his prayers. “And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith” (D&C 42:14).

The Lamanites had been the cause of mourning among the people of God because of the traditions of their fathers.

King Benjamin told his sons, “were it not for these things [the records and plates of brass], which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct” (Mosiah 1:5).

Ammon kneeled and poured out his soul to God giving thanks for what He had done for the Lamanites. He was overpowered by the Spirit and fell to the earth.

“[W]hen the Spirit is poured out it results in joy so great that recipients cannot speak, which was the case with King Benjamin’s people (Mosiah 4:20). Likewise, when Ammon saw that the Spirit had been poured out on the Lamanites, he was overpowered with joy (Alma 19:14). The pouring out of the Spirit revealed no inequality among different peoples (Alma 16:16), for God extends his arm to all (Alma 19:36) and pours out his Spirit on both the Lamanites (Helaman 6:36) and eventually the Gentiles (3 Nephi 20:27).”[2]

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[1] Women In the Book of Mormon: Inclusion, Exclusion, and Interpretation, Camille S. Williams, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] NOTES, Book of Mormon Pneumatology, John Christopher Thomas.

Alma 18:12-43

12 And it came to pass that when Ammon had made ready the horses and the chariots for the king and his servants, he went in unto the king, and he saw that the countenance of the king was changed; therefore he was about to return out of his presence.

13 And one of the king’s servants said unto him, Rabbanah, which is, being interpreted, powerful or great king, considering their kings to be powerful; and thus he said unto him: Rabbanah, the king desireth thee to stay.

14 Therefore Ammon turned himself unto the king, and said unto him: What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king? And the king answered him not for the space of an hour, according to their time, for he knew not what he should say unto him.

15 And it came to pass that Ammon said unto him again: What desirest thou of me? But the king answered him not.

16 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, therefore he perceived the thoughts of the king. And he said unto him: Is it because thou hast heard that I defended thy servants and thy flocks, and slew seven of their brethren with the sling and with the sword, and smote off the arms of others, in order to defend thy flocks and thy servants; behold, is it this that causeth thy marvelings?

17 I say unto you, what is it, that thy marvelings are so great? Behold, I am a man, and am thy servant; therefore, whatsoever thou desirest which is right, that will I do.

18 Now when the king had heard these words, he marveled again, for he beheld that Ammon could discern his thoughts; but notwithstanding this, king Lamoni did open his mouth, and said unto him: Who art thou? Art thou that Great Spirit, who knows all things?

19 Ammon answered and said unto him: I am not.

20 And the king said: How knowest thou the thoughts of my heart? Thou mayest speak boldly, and tell me concerning these things; and also tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks—

21 And now, if thou wilt tell me concerning these things, whatsoever thou desirest I will give unto thee; and if it were needed, I would guard thee with my armies; but I know that thou art more powerful than all they; nevertheless, whatsoever thou desirest of me I will grant it unto thee.

22 Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee.

23 And the king answered him, and said: Yea, I will believe all thy words. And thus he was caught with guile.

24 And Ammon began to speak unto him with boldness, and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

25 And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth.

26 And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a Great Spirit?

27 And he said, Yea.

28 And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?

29 And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.

30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels.

31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?

31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?

32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.

33 And king Lamoni said: I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?

34 Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true;

35 And a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.

36 Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem.

37 And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travail, and so forth.

38 And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time.

39 But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.

40 And it came to pass that after he had said all these things, and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his words.

41 And he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people.

42 And now, when he had said this, he fell unto the earth, as if he were dead.

43 And it came to pass that his servants took him and carried him in unto his wife, and laid him upon a bed; and he lay as if he were dead for the space of two days and two nights; and his wife, and his sons, and his daughters mourned over him, after the manner of the Lamanites, greatly lamenting his loss. (Alma 18:12-43)

Ammon had finished his task for the king. He went to the king, intending to let him know things were ready for his journey. But, he saw the king’s expression had changed. Ammon decided to leave.

One of the king’s servants stopped him, calling him Rabbanah. This title was used for a powerful or great king. Rabbanah, the servant said, the king wanted him to stay.

“When Ammon enters, the king’s servants call him ‘Rabbanah,’ which is interpreted as ‘powerful or great king’ (Alma 18:13). In this scene of dramatic irony, we know that Ammon has turned down the opportunity to be king in order to be a missionary servant to Lamoni and his people. He, however, never reveals that to Lamoni. Indeed, he maintains the respectful stance of a servant: ‘What wilt thou that I should do for thee, O king?’ (Alma 18:14).”[1]

Ammon went to the king and asked what he could for him. The king did not answer for an hour. Mormon adds an interesting aside by telling us the hour was according to the Lamanite time. We don’t know how long Ammon waited. We do know the king was sure what he should say.

After he had waited an hour, he again asked him what he desired of him. Again, the king did not answer.

Ammon was then filled with Spirit. Through the inspiration of the Spirit, he knew what the king was thinking.

He asked if he was here because he heard of how he saved the king’s flocks as well as his servants. He also defeated those attempting to scatter the flocks. He asked, “[I]s it this that causeth thy marvelings” (Alma 18:16).

He asked if this was why he was uncertain how he should deal with him. He told him he was a man and his servant. Whatever he desired, which is right, he would do.

He once again was amazed that Ammon knew his thoughts. The king asked Ammon who he was. He wanted to know if he was the Great Spirit which knows all things.

Ammon responded he was not.

Then, the king asked, how did you know the thoughts of my heart? He told him to “speak boldly.” He wanted by what power he killed and cut off the arms of those who scattered his flocks. If he told him, whatever Ammon desired would be given to him. He would guard him with his armies, but, he knows he is more powerful than his army. Even so, whatever he desired would be given him.

Mormon tells us Ammon was wise, but harmless. He asked Lamoni if he would listen to his words if he told him by what power he did these things. This is what he desired from the king.

Lamoni answered, he would believe his words. He was sincere in his desire to know these things.

Ammon began to question Lamoni.

Do you believe there is a God? Lamoni did not what he meant. He changed his question, asking him if he believed in a Great Spirit? Lamoni responded he did. Ammon explained the Great Spirit is God.

He rephrased his question. Does he believe the Great Spirit, who is God, created all things in heaven and earth? Lamoni said he believed he created all things on earth, but he does know the heavens.

The heavens, Ammon explained, is where God and His angels dwell. Is it above earth, Lamoni asked. Ammon said he does. He looks upon all the children of men. He knows their thoughts and the intents of their heart.

“One day each of us will stand before the Lord in judgment. We will each have a personal interview with Jesus Christ. We will account for decisions that we made about our bodies, our spiritual attributes, and how we honored God’s pattern for marriage and family.”[2]

Lamoni tells Ammon he believes his words. He wanted to know if Ammon was sent from God.

Ammon said he was a man, created in God’s image. He has been called by the Holy Spirit to teach to the Lamanites. He is doing this because he wants them to “be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true” (Alma 18:34). A portion of the Holy Spirit dwells in him. This gives him knowledge and power according to his faith and desires in God.

“[T]he passage known by contemporary Latter-day Saints as ‘Moroni’s challenge’ begins with the injunction that those who are interested in receiving a witness of the truthfulness of the Nephite record must first ‘remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts’ (Moroni 10:3, see vv. 4–5). Consistent with this pattern, the sons of Mosiah rehearse to the Lamanites ‘the records and the holy scriptures of the people’ from the beginning of time (Alma 18:35–39; 22:12– 14) as an essential first step in their spiritual conversion (18:35–39; 22:12–14).”[3]

Ammon then began to teach the king, beginning with the creation and the fall. He shared with him records and scriptures.

Mormon notes Ammon was not only teaching the king, but he was also teaching his servants.

Ammon taught them about Lehi’s family and their journey in the wilderness. He detailed their sufferings and travail during this journey. He explained how Laman, Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael rebelled against Lehi and Nephi.

Having rehearsed the journeys of Lehi, he began to teach the king’s court the plan of redemption. He taught “them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them” (Alma 18:39).

Hearing these things, king Lamoni believed Ammon’s words. He began to pray, asking the Lord to

“have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people” (Alma 18:41).

When he said these things, he collapsed, falling to the ground.

Lamoni’s servants carried him to his wife and placed him on a bed. He laid there for two days and two nights, appearing to be dead. His wife and children mourned him and his loss.

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[1] “To Show unto the Remnant of the House of Israel” – Narrators and Narratives, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Decisions for Eternity, President Russell M. Nelson, October 2013 General Conference.

[3] The Death of Laban: A Literary Interpretation, Steven L. Olsen, FARMS Review 21/1 (2009): 194, footnote 33.

Alma 18:1-11

Chapter 18

King Lamoni supposes that Ammon is the Great Spirit—Ammon teaches the king about the Creation, God’s dealings with men, and the redemption that comes through Christ—Lamoni believes and falls to the earth as if dead. About 90 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that king Lamoni caused that his servants should stand forth and testify to all the things which they had seen concerning the matter.

2 And when they had all testified to the things which they had seen, and he had learned of the faithfulness of Ammon in preserving his flocks, and also of his great power in contending against those who sought to slay him, he was astonished exceedingly, and said: Surely, this is more than a man. Behold, is not this the Great Spirit who doth send such great punishments upon this people, because of their murders?

3 And they answered the king, and said: Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain.

4 And now, when the king heard these words, he said unto them: Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve your lives, that I might not slay you as I did your brethren. Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken.

5 Now this was the tradition of Lamoni, which he had received from his father, that there was a Great Spirit. Notwithstanding they believed in a Great Spirit, they supposed that whatsoever they did was right; nevertheless, Lamoni began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong in slaying his servants;

6 For he had slain many of them because their brethren had scattered their flocks at the place of water; and thus, because they had had their flocks scattered they were slain.

7 Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby they might drive away many that were scattered unto their own land, it being a practice of plunder among them.

8 And it came to pass that king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying: Where is this man that has such great power?

9 And they said unto him: Behold, he is feeding thy horses. Now the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots, and conduct him forth to the land of Nephi; for there had been a great feast appointed at the land of Nephi, by the father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.

10 Now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.

11 Now I surely know that this is the Great Spirit, and I would desire him that he come in unto me, but I durst not. (Alma 18:1-11)

After returning with the flocks, king Lamoni had his servants tell him what had happened at the waters of Sebus. He learned of Ammon’s efforts to preserve his flocks as well as how he was able to defeat those who wanted to kill him.

King Lamoni feared Ammon was the Great Spirit sent to punish his people because of their murders.

The servants responded by telling him they have no way of knowing if he is a man or the Great Spirit. What they know is what they saw. Ammon cold not be killed by his enemies. They cannot scatter the flocks when Ammon is with them. What they do know is he is a friend to the king. They added, “we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain” (Alma 18:3).

Hearing these things, Lamoni believed Ammon was the Great Spirit. He had been sent to save the lives of the other servants. “Now this is the Great Spirit of whom our fathers have spoken” (Alma 18:4).

It was the tradition there was a Great Spirit. He received this from his father. Even though they believed in this Great Spirit, they believed what they did was right. Still, Lamoni began to fear he had done wrong when he killed his servants.

“Those without an eternal perspective, or those who lose sight of it, make their own standards to benefit themselves and their own selfish interests. Their mortal perspective becomes their standard and for some their god.

“Ammon taught King Lamoni, who had always lived by the light of his mortality, about God, a divine power higher than the king. The king ‘supposed that whatsoever [he] did was right” (Alma 18:5). But Ammon’s example and message touched his heart, and he ‘began to fear exceedingly, with fear lest he had done wrong’ (Alma 18:5). Ammon then ‘expounded unto them the plan of redemption’ (Alma 18:39).”[1]

The Lamanites who scattered the flocks did so in order to have them scattered into their own land.

Hearing the account of what happened, Lamoni wanted to know where Ammon was. “Where is this man that has such great power?” (Alma 18:8).

They told him he was feeding his horses. Lamoni had commanded the servants to prepare his horse and chariots. He was planning on attending a feast in the land of Nephi. His father, the king over all the land, was holding the feast.

Lamoni was astonished Ammon was taking care of his needs. He never had a servant who was as faithful as Ammon. He remembered all he was told to do and made sure they were done.

Lamoni decided Ammon was the Great Spirit. He wanted him to come to him, but he did not dare to ask him to come before him.

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[1] Keep an Eternal Perspective, Elder Jay E. Jensen, April 2000 General Conference.

Alma 17:32-39

32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the flocks, and they did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much swiftness and did head the flocks of the king, and did gather them together again to the place of water.

33 And those men again stood to scatter their flocks; but Ammon said unto his brethren: Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not; and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks.

34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in number not a few.

35 Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king.

36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.

37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm.

38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it were their leader with his sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.

39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned and they watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king, and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which had been smitten off by the sword of Ammon, of those who sought to slay him; and they were carried in unto the king for a testimony of the things which they had done. (Alma 17:32-39)

Having chased off the gang, Ammon and the other servants went out looking for the flocks. Once they were found, the drove them back to the watering hole.

Having returned to the watering hole, they found the gang had returned. They attempted to once again scatter the flocks. Ammon told them to surround the flocks. They will not run away. He was ready to confront those who were causing trouble.

They did as they were told. Ammon left to confront the gang.

They were not impressed seeing only Ammon coming towards them. They figured they could easily kill him. What they didn’t know was the Lord’s promise to King Mosiah. “And the Lord said unto Mosiah: Let them go up, for many shall believe on their words, and they shall have eternal life; and I will deliver thy sons out of the hands of the Lamanites” (Mosiah 28:7).

They knew nothing of the Lord. They enjoyed seeing others pay the price for their action. They were ready once again to scatter the king’s flocks.

Ammon began to fling stones at them. He quickly killed some of them. That he was successful in defending the flocks surprised them.

Even so, they were angry he had killed some of them. They attempted to hit him with their stones but failed. They grabbed the clubs and ran towards Ammon.

The king’s servants would tell the king what happened, explaining, “Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know not; but this much we do know, that he cannot be slain by the enemies of the king; neither can they scatter the king’s flocks when he is with us, because of his expertness and great strength; therefore, we know that he is a friend to the king. And now, O king, we do not believe that a man has such great power, for we know he cannot be slain” (Alma 18:3).

When they attempted to attack Ammon with their clubs, he cut off their arms with his swords. When they hit Ammon, they had no effect. They were so amazed, they began to flee.

Describing this event, Hugh Nibley wrote, “They were outraged: ‘They began to be astonished [and] angry’ (Alma 17:36)—[Ammon] wasn't playing fair. So they came after him with clubs; why only clubs? He had a sword. There is only one way you can wield a club; you cannot cut or thrust with it but have to raise it up over your head and thus expose your arms. Ammon took full advantage of the situation, slicing away at the arms raised against him. And yet, with his overwhelming advantage, Ammon ‘slew none save it were their leader with his sword’ (Alma 17:38).”[1]

Six had “fallen by the sling.” Ammon fought the leader and killed him.

After having successfully defeated the gang, he returned to the flock. They watered the flocks and returned them to the king’s pasture. The servants went to the king, carrying the arms Ammon had cut off. This was done to serve as a testimony of Ammon’s actions before the king.

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[1] The Book of Mormon: Forty Years After, Hugh W. Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

Alma 17:20-31

20 And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Lamanites took him and bound him, as was their custom to bind all the Nephites who fell into their hands, and carry them before the king; and thus it was left to the pleasure of the king to slay them, or to retain them in captivity, or to cast them into prison, or to cast them out of his land, according to his will and pleasure.

21 And thus Ammon was carried before the king who was over the land of Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a descendant of Ishmael.

22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people.

23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.

24 And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased with Ammon, and caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife.

25 But Ammon said unto him: Nay, but I will be thy servant. Therefore Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came to pass that he was set among other servants to watch the flocks of Lamoni, according to the custom of the Lamanites.

26 And after he had been in the service of the king three days, as he was with the Lamanitish servants going forth with their flocks to the place of water, which was called the water of Sebus, and all the Lamanites drive their flocks hither, that they may have water—

27 Therefore, as Ammon and the servants of the king were driving forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain number of the Lamanites, who had been with their flocks to water, stood and scattered the flocks of Ammon and the servants of the king, and they scattered them insomuch that they fled many ways.

28 Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying: Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the wickedness of these men. And they began to weep exceedingly, saying: Behold, our flocks are scattered already.

29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words.

30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren.

31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying: My brethren, be of good cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us. (Alma 17:20-31)

When Ammon departed, he went to the land of Ishmael. He was captured by the Lamanites. He was bound and brought before the king. He would decide what would happen to Ammon.

He was brought before the king, Lamoni. We are informed he descended from Ishmael.

King Lamoni began to interrogate Ammon. He first asked if he was in his land and desired to live among his people. Ammon responded he did. He said he may remain until the day he dies.

Lamoni was pleased with his answer. He had him freed from his bondage. Then, he offered one of his daughters to be his wife.

Ammon refused his offer. Instead, he offered to become the king’s servant. His first duty was to watch the flocks of Lamoni.

After three days, he went with the other servants to the water of Sebus. This was a place where the Lamanites drove the flocks to give them water.

While there, a gang of Lamanites scattered Lamoni’s flocks. The flocks ran off in different directions.  

The servants became upset. In the past, the king had killed those watching his flocks when they were scattered by the gangs of Lamanites. They feared they would all be killed.

“What insanity is this, the king kills his own servants for losing a contest that had been acted out before? In fact, we are told in Alma 18:7 that ‘it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people,’ keeping what they could for themselves, ‘it being a practice of plunder among them’ (Alma 18:7). It looks like it was a regular custom. So it was no secret to anyone; this was not an ambush but something to be expected. But the king’s own flocks? How could they get away with that? Didn’t he have enough men to protect them if this happened regularly? Well, for one thing the Lamanites played the game for sport; it was more than meat that they were after, for ‘they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king’ (Alma 17:35). They thought it was great sport. The Arabs have a saying, ‘If we cease ghāza, we will cease to live.’ A ghāza is a raid; our word raid is from the Arabic ghāza. They must raid or life isn’t worth living. ‘Life is raiding.’”[1]

“That life was extremely cheap among the Lamanites (and not just for Nephites) is further evidenced by Lamoni’s own history of punishing with death any of his servants who allowed his flocks to be scattered (Alma 17:28–29).”[2]

Seeing how the Lamanites responded, Ammon was filled with joy. “I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words” (Alma 17:29).

He told them to cheer up. He told them they should search for the flocks, gather them, and bring them back to water them. This will preserve the king’s flocks and they will not die.

“[W]e may read this as a story about some shepherds trying to round up some missing sheep, but the message is much more powerful and significant than that. Ammon was a missionary with noble intentions to bring the king and his kingdom back to the fold of righteousness, to the well of living water. The challenge looked daunting to those who could see only, in everyday terms, sheep strung out on hillsides and not enough manpower to round them up. They were discouraged and fearful that the king would discover their loss.

“Ammon not only led the force to recapture the sheep, he drove away the evil men who caused the problems; and his heroic efforts persuaded the king to follow him and to follow the Savior.”[3]

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[1] Lecture 51: Alma 17-19, Teachings of the Book of Mormon, Semester 2, Lecture 51, War, Ammon,  and King Lamoni, Hugh Nibley, Maxwell Institute website.

[2] Were the Ammonites Pacifists?, Duane Boyce, Journal of the Book of Mormon and Other Restoration Scripture 18/1 (2009): 39.

[3] “When Thou Art Converted, Strengthen Thy Brethren,” Elder Robert D. Hales, April 1997 General Conference.