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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