Lesson 31: Firm in the Faith of ChristPurposeTo help class members see how the Nephites’ attitudes and actions in times of war can serve as a pattern for dealing with our earthly conflicts and the battle against Satan.

ScripturesRead, ponder, and pray about the following scriptures:

Alma 43–44. Led by Zerahemnah, the Lamanites come to battle against the Nephites, seeking to bring them into bondage. The Nephites, led by Moroni, fight to defend their families and their liberty. The Nephites prevail because they are “inspired by a better cause” and because they exercise faith in Jesus Christ.

Alma 45:20–24; 46. Amalickiah desires to be king and causes dissension among the Nephites. Captain Moroni raises the “title of liberty” to inspire the people, and they covenant to follow God. Amalickiah and a few of his followers join the Lamanites.

Alma 47–48. Through treachery, Amalickiah becomes king of the Lamanites. He incites the Lamanites to fight against the Nephites. Captain Moroni prepares the Nephites to defend themselves righteously.

Alma 49–52. War continues between the Nephites and the Lamanites. The king-men desire to set up a king over the Nephites, but they are defeated. Teancum kills Amalickiah, who is succeeded as king of the Lamanites by his brother Ammoron.

Recommendation for LessonHere’s what I think should be discussed in this lesson:

Why Study the War Chapters? This is a common question asked by members. These chapters are very important to our understanding of the Book of Mormon.

The Lord’s Law of War. When the Nephites were righteous, they followed this and were delivered from their enemy. When they were wicked, they failed to follow this and were defeated. A good discussion question would be: Should we follow this Law of War today?

Moroni1. He is the key character in the war chapters. Without this great warrior and man of God, the Nephites would have suffered defeat in these great wars. It will help to better understand the man and see, how in spite of our faults, we can still be faithful and serve the Lord.

The War Chapters. Go through and pick, what you as the teacher believe are the most important scriptures for your class to know and understand.

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Enjoy teaching these great chapters and learning about one of the greatest men of God in the scriptures. (Personal note: Alma2 is my hero in the Book of Mormon. Moroni1 is second only to him.)

Why Study the War Chapters? Why would Mormon include so much information about war? In the Book of Alma, war is a frequent topic.

o We have the War of Amlici in chapters 2-3. o The War of the Ammonite Secession is covered in chapter 28. o Twenty of the last twenty-two chapters of Alma involve three wars.

Some reasons:o In [Mormon’s] view, war was not to be explained merely in terms of

political, economic, or racial causes and effects, but was rooted in moral, spiritual, and social problems and unrighteousness.1

And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.And we see that these promises have been verified to the people of Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings and their contentions, yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were among themselves, which brought upon them their wars and their destructions.And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites. (Alma 50:19 - 22)

o At times, Mormon saw war as a means of divine deliverance for the Nephites. 2

o Mormon shows us that the final war fulfilled prophecies of destruction of the nation.3

1 Why Is So Much of the Book of Mormon Given Over to Military Accounts? R. Douglas Phillips, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 23, 2012.2 R. Douglas Phillips 3 R. Douglas Phillips

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o The implications of Mormon's accounts of war are clear: the people who occupy those lands today are under the same conditions as the earlier inhabitants; they are subject to the same principles of divine retribution, either deliverance or destruction by war. 4

o It is doubtful that any person can fully understand the entire Book of Mormon without some knowledge of warfare.5

o God commanded Nephi to keep not just one, but two sets of records: one of his sacred revelations and ministry, the other (recorded equally by way of commandment) of "the wars and contentions of [his] people" (1 Nephi 9:4).6

o Few … generations passed without involvement in a major war.7

o The authors of the Book of Mormon took war and its social and spiritual ramifications very seriously.8

o Several of its prophets and heroes were military men.9

o In its emphasis on warfare, the Book of Mormon accurately reflects the grim reality of history.10

The Lord’s Law of War War is acceptable to the Lord under certain circumstances:

o War can never be offensive (Alma 43:46).o There must be two offenses by the enemy (“Inasmuch as ye are not

guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies”) (Alma 43:46).

o War must be to defend themselves, their families, their lands, their country, their rights, and their religion (Alma 43:47). (See also Alma 46:12 - And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.)

o War must end when enemy gives up their arms and surrenders.o God would let them know when to go to war (48:16).

He will deliver them.o Taking of prisoners is acceptable.

Must be released at end of war.o Example – Nephite battle with the Gadianton Robbers in 3 Nephi:

4 R. Douglas Phillips 5 Why Study Warfare in the Book of Mormon? John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2012.6 John W. Welch7 The Importance of Warfare in Book of Mormon Studies, William J. Hamblin, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2012.8 William Hamblin 9 William Hamblin 10 William Hamblin

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

See Quote #1 See Quote #2

Moroni1

Moroni1 is an interesting and complex man.

He was made Chief Commander of the Nephites army at a young age, 25 (43:16). He was almost immediately thrown into a situation where the Nephites were at war. He was more than up to the challenge and successfully defeated the Zoramite/Lamanite army.

The First and Second Amalickiahite Wars truly tested his abilities. He would go from extremes. He would have adequate supplies and men; later he would not have adequate supplies (food, water, etc.) and men. In spite of all the challenges he faced, he is able to achieve victory.

He dies a young man, in his early 40’s (63:1-3; 57 B.C.; He was appointed Chief Commander in 74 B.C.). There is only one mention of his being injured in battle (53:35), but it’s hard to believe that was the only time he was wounded in battle. His years of battle in these brutal wars had to take a physical toll on him, leading to his early death.

There are eight epistles in included in the Book of Mormon. Two are from Moroni1, one to Ammoron (Amalickiah’s brother) and one to Pahoran, the chief judge.

Moroni1 is a man of contrasts. He will do whatever it takes to defeat the enemy, fighting many bloody wars that result in thousands of casualties. Yet, on the other hand, he does all he can to avoid bloodshed. He told Zerahemnah that he did not desire bloodshed when asking for his surrender. But, he made it clear he would destroy him and his army if they refused his terms.

Ha is willing to take prisoners and kill the enemy. When the enemy was overwhelmed and willing to accept his terms of surrender (turn over the arms to

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the Nephites and covenant never to attack the Nephites again), he let them go in peace, releasing his POWs.

He was a religious man who is shown praying to the Lord once (46:13-14). We only have one account of him going to the prophet and asking for his help (Alma2, 43:23-24). In his defense, it would have been …n hard to send someone to consult with Helaman2 because of the distance and nature of the war.

On the other hand, he does what he does in the name of the Lord. His Title of Liberty mentions God (“in memory of God, our religion” 46:12). He makes it clear he does what he does in God’s name (44:3-5; 46:23-25; 48:11-16; 54:6, 9, 21).

Moroni1 was easy to anger and let his anger control his responses (44:17; 46:11; 51:13-14; 54:13, 15; 55:1; 59:13).In his two epistles, we have examples of him letting his anger control what he writes.

To Ammoron: “But behold, it supposeth me that I talk to you concerning these things in vain; or it supposeth me that thou art a child of hell…” (Alma 54:11)

His response to Ammoron’s epistle, eventually agreeing to his proposed prisoner exchange: “Now it came to pass that when Moroni had received this epistle he was more angry, because he knew that Ammoron had a perfect knowledge of his fraud; yea, he knew that Ammoron knew that it was not a just cause that had caused him to wage a war against the people of Nephi. And he said: Behold, I will not exchange prisoners with Ammoron save he will withdraw his purpose, as I have stated in my epistle; for I will not grant unto him that he shall have any more power than what he hath got” (Alma 55:1 - 2).

To Pahoran, not knowing the king-men were in rebellion against the government: He condemns the for not provide needed supplies, accuses them of neglect and asking what caused their thoughtless state, the blood of thousands shall be on their heads, crying to God for vengeance, for all we know, you’re traitors to your country, if we don’t get support, we will overthrow the government and put in righteous leaders (Alma 60:2, 6-7, 10, 114, 18, 24-25, 29-30, 33).

Moroni1 was a complicated man. In spite of his failings, he was a man of God. He was a military genius and a great leader of men. Mormon respected him so much, he named his son after him, Moroni2.

Mormon’s description of him helps us clearly to know what type of man he was. (Note: This is the only place, outside of Christ’s teaching to the Nephites, the phrase “yea, verily, verily I say unto you” is used. This makes Mormon’s description all that more powerful as he is using a term usually reserved for use by God.)

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Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.” (v. 17-18).

The War Chapters

Chapters 43-44

Summary

The Zoramite War Source: Alma 43-44. Date: 18th Year of the Reign of the Judges (74 B.C.). Location: Between Antionum and Jershon, northeast of Zarahemla. Causes: After the Zoramites separated from the Nephites, they entered

into a correspondence with the Lamanites. War was precipitated after many of the Zoramite working class defected from the city of Antionum, having been converted by Alma and given refuge in Jershon.

Tactics: Buildup of troops on the border between the lands of Antionum and Jershon, followed by Lamanite attempt to flee, Nephite pursuit, and battle at the river Sidon.

Results: Important use of innovative armor; Zoramite men all took an oath of peace never to attack Nephites again.11

Cast of Characters

Amalekites – Nephite dissenters, the same group as the Amlicites, whom Alma encountered earlier in his career (see Alma 2–3), followers of Nehor (Alma 21:2).

Ammonites – Anti-Nephi-Lehies, Lamanites converted by Ammon, covenanted with the Lord to never take up arms (Alma 23:7, 17).

Helaman2 – Leader of the church; high priest (45:20). Lehi2 – A Nephite general (43:35). Moroni1 – Chief Captain of the Nephite armies (43:16). Zerahemnah (an Amalekite) – Leader of the Lamanites (43:5). Zoramites – Nephite dissenters; became Lamanites (Alma 30:59).

11 Why Study Warfare in the Book of Mormon? John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2012.

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Mormon Turns to An Account of Wars (1-3)

Alma2 and his sons continue to preach the gospel. Mormon tells he “shall say no more concerning their preaching, except that

they preached the word, and the truth, according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation” (v. 2).

o He will give us an account of the wars between the Lamanites and Nephites.

The War Begins (4-14)

Lamanites begin the war with an army in the thousands.o Leader was Zerahemnah, an Amalekite.

Amalekites had “a more wicked and murderous disposition than the Lamanites,” so they were usually leaders of the Lamanite armies.

o Army was made up of Lamanites, Zoramites, and Amalekites. Nephites only wanted to live free, to support and care for their families.  

o Their freedoms, rights, privileges, and liberty was for what they were fighting.

Consequences of a Lamanite victory:o They wanted to destroy the Nephites.o They wanted to prevent them from being free to worship God.  o They wanted to kill the Ammonites.  

The Nephites appointed a chief captain who “was only twenty and five years old.”

o This man’s name was Moroni1. See Quote #3 Moroni1took his army and met the Lamanite armies at Jershon.

o His soldiers wore breastplates, shields, and “shields to defend their heads” as well as wearing thick clothing.

See Quote #4 Lamanites had swords, cimeters, bows and arrows, and slings. They had no armor. They were naked except for a loincloth.

The First Battle (15-42)

The Lamanites did not confront the Nephites at Jershon.o The Lamanites departed into the wilderness.

Moroni1 sent spies to watch them. He also followed Nephite custom and sent men to Alma2.

o He wanted him to inquire of the Lord about the Lamanites and their plans.

Alma2 inquired of the Lord.Page | 7

o He sent word back the Lamanites were moving over to the land of Manti.

o They would attack a “weaker part of the people.” Moroni1 took part of his army to the land of Manti.

o He also got the people in Manti to prepare to defend their lands, country, and liberties.

Moroni1 concealed his army in a valley near the river Sidon. o Spies were placed where they might know when the Lamanites were

close to his army. The intention of the Lamanites was to bring the Nephites into bondage. The only desire of the Nephites was to “preserve their lands, and their

liberty, and their church” (v. 30). The Lamanite army marched where the army was concealed. Lehi2 was in command of this army. The army came up from the rear and attacked the Lamanites. The battle was bloody. “[T]he work of death commenced on both sides” (v. 37). The Lamanites suffered more because “their nakedness was exposed to the

heavy blows of the Nephites” (v. 38). Eventually the Lamanite became frightened and began to flee towards the

river Sidon. Lehi2 was waiting there and they could not cross. Moroni1’s army met them in the valley.

The Lamanites Begin to Win/Nephites Turn the Table (43-54)

The Lamanites had never fought with such strength and courage.o Many Nephites died in the battle.o The fierceness of battle caused fear among the Nephites.o They were about to flee.

Moroni1 was inspired to remind them why they were fighting. o “[T]he Nephites were inspired by a better cause” (v. 45).

”[T]hey were not fighting for monarchy nor power” (v. 45). “[T]hey were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their

wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church. And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God” (v. 45-46).

See Quote #5o “[T]hey cried with one voice unto the Lord their God, for their liberty

and their freedom from bondage” (v. 49).o The Lord heard their pleas and the tide of war changed.

“[T]he Lamanites began to flee before them; and they fled even to the waters of Sidon” (v.50).

o The Lamanites were surrounded by Moroni1‘s and Lehi2’s army.o “[The Lamanites] were struck with terror” (v. 53).o Seeing their terror, Moroni1 commanded the fighting cease.

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Chapter 44

Moroni1 Presents His Terms of Surrender (1-7)

Moroni1 withdrew and contacted Zerahemnah.o “[W]e do not desire to be men of blood. Ye know that ye are in our

hands, yet we do not desire to slay you” (v. 1).o “[T]he Lord is with us; and ye behold that he has delivered you into

our hands” (v.3).o “[T]his is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and

keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion” (v. 4)

o See Quote #6 Moroni1 commands Zerahemnah to surrender and lay downs his arms.

o “I command you by all the desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your lives, if ye will go your way and come not again to war against us” (v. 6).

o “[I]f if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands, and I will command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict the wounds of death in your bodies, that ye may become extinct” (v. 7).

Zerahemnah Rejects Moroni1‘s Terms (8-11)

Zerahemnah’s response was short and to the point.o We will surrender and lay down their arms.o “[W]e will not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which we

know that we shall break, and also our children” (v. 8).o He rejected that God delivered them.o The only reason they were defeated was the breastplates and shields

the Nephites used. You have to give him credit for honesty, if not common sense.

Moroni1 rejected his terms, telling him, “we will end the conflict” (v. 10).o One last warning, “Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your blood

upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have proposed” (v. 11).

A Battle Ensues, Zerahemnah Accepts Moroni1‘s Terms (12-24)

Zerahemnah was angered by Moroni1’s words.o He took his sword and attempted to strike Moroni1.

One of Moroni1’s soldiers “smote” the sword, breaking it.o He also “took off his scalp” (v. 12).o He cried:

“Even as this scalp has fallen to the earth, which is the scalp of your chief, so shall ye fall to the earth except ye will deliver up

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your weapons of war and depart with a covenant of peace” (v. 14).

This caused many of the Lamanites to surrender their weapons and accepted Moroni1’s terms of surrender.

o Zerahemnah was even more angry and he encouraged the rest of his troops to continue fighting.

Moroni1 was fed up and he commanded his troops to attack.o The Lamanites were “swept down, even as the soldier of Moroni had

prophesied” (v. 18). Seeing he was facing annihilation, Zerahemnah cried he would surrender

and accept Moroni1’s terms.o Moroni1 accepted his surrender and let them depart in peace.o See Quote #7

The slaughter was great. The bodies were thrown into the river Sidon. “And thus ended the record of Alma, which was written upon the plates of

Nephi” (v. 24).

The account of the people of Nephi, and their wars and dissensions, in the days of Helaman, according to the record of Helaman, which he kept in his days. Comprising chapters 45 to 62 inclusive.

Chapter 45The Manual only mentions verses 20-24, but I want to do a quick overview of the

chapter.

Alma2 questions his son, Helaman2, about his faith and beliefs (v. 1-8). Helaman2 responds, “Yea, I will keep thy commandments with all my heart”

(v. 7).o Incident is reminiscent of Nephi1’s questioning of the angel when

questioned him at the beginning of his great vision. And the Spirit said unto me: Believest thou that thy father saw

the tree of which he hath spoken?And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father.

1 Nephi 11:4 - 5 Alma2 then shares a prophesy with Helaman2 telling him to make this

known until the prophesy is fulfilled.Page | 10

Four hundred years after Christ to the Nephites, they will “dwindle in unbelief.”

o They will “see wars and pestilences, yea famines and bloodshed” (v. 10).

o This will lead to their destruction.o Samuel the Lamanite would warn the Nephites that, after the coming

of Christ, “four hundred years shall not pass away before I will cause that they shall be smitten; yea, I will visit them with the sword and with famine and with pestilence” (Helaman 13:9).

Their destruction will come because “they shall sin against so great light and knowledge” (v. 12).

Alma2 “departed out of the land of Zarahemla … And it came to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of” (v. 18).

o Mormon mentions Moses being taken up by the Spirit and speculates “he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial” (v. 19).

Helaman2 and His Brethren Teach the Gospel (20-24)

Helaman2 becomes the high priest. Helaman2 and his brethren teach the gospel to the people. Dissensions grew among the people.

o The Nephite Disease – pride – enters society.o They had many riches.

The people ignored Helaman2 and his brethren.

Chapters 46-50

Summary

The First Amalickiahite War Source: Alma 46:1-50:11. Date:  20th Year of the Reign of the Judges (72 B.C.). Locations: Ammonihah, Noah, and the east seacoast near the narrow neck

of land. Causes: Political ambitions of Amalickiah, a Zoramite in Zarahemla, who

dissented from the Nephites. He seized an opportune moment to rebel at the time of Alma's departure and Helaman's succession (see Alma 46:1). Amalickiah defected with a few Nephite leaders and, after becoming king of the Lamanites, recruited large armies from the land of Nephi.

Tactics:  Strike against what were thought to be the weakest parts of the land of Zarahemla.

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Results: Amalickiah defeated, but he swore to return and kill Moroni. Never was there a happier time than the brief period immediately following the war (see Alma 50:23).12

 Cast of Characters

Amalickiah - Leader of the dissenters; wants to be king (46:3-4). Helaman2 – Leader of the church; high priest (45:20). King of the Lamanites – Manipulated by Amalickiah to fight the Nephites

(47:1). Lamanite Queen – Amalickiah lies to the queen about the death of the

king; she marries Amalickiah (47:33-35). Lehi2 – A Nephite general (43:35). Lehonti – Leader of Lamanites on the mount Antipas (47:10). Morianton – Leader of the army of the people of Morianton (50:28). Moroni1 – Chief Commander of the Nephite armies (43:16). Nephihah – The chief judge (50:37). Pahoran – Replaced his father, Nephihah as the chief judge when he died

(50:39). People of Morianton – Claimed a part of the land of Lehi as theirs (50:26). Teancum - A Nephite general (50:35).

Chapter 46

Amalickiah wants to be king.o He was able to convince many of the lower judges to support him.o He would make them rulers over the people.

Many in the church believed his flattering words. The situation was “exceedingly precarious and dangerous” (v. 7). Mormon wants to make sure we understand the situation (v. 8-10):

o The children of men quickly forget the Lord their God.o They are quick to do iniquity.o They are quick to be led away by the devil.o One wicked man can cause great wickedness to take place.

Amalickiah’s goal was to destroy the church and destroy the foundation of liberty.

Moroni1 is angered with Amalickiah.o He responds with his title of liberty.

“[H]e rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole” (v. 12).

o “[H]e he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—For

12 Why Study Warfare in the Book of Mormon? John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2012.

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thus were all the true believers of Christ, who belonged to the church of God, called by those who did not belong to the church” (v. 13-14).

See Quote #8 Moroni1 went among the people, waving the Title of Liberty. He cried:

o Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them. (v. 20)

The people came running with their armor on.o They rent their garments as a covenant they would not forsake God.

See Quote #9 See Quote #10 Moroni1 continued travelling through the land.

o He gathered those who were willing to stand against Amalickiah. Amalickiah, seeing the people were willing to fight against, ran.

o Amalickiah “took those of his people who would and departed into the land of Nephi” (v. 29).

Moroni1 didn’t want Amalickiah and his supporters to join up and incite the Lamanites.

He took an army to cut them off. When his army met them, a few were still able to flee.

o The prisoners were given a choice – “support the cause of freedom” or be put to death.

Most agreed to “support the cause of freedom.” The Title of Liberty was hoisted on every tower throughout the Nephite

lands. Peace began to reign in the land. See Quote #11 Helaman and the high priests maintained order among the church for four

years. Many died of fevers during certain seasons of the year.

Chapter 47

The dissenters who escaped stirred up the Lamanites against the Nephites. War was declared by the king of the Lamanites.

o Many feared the Nephites and they refused to become a part of the army.

Amalickiah convinced the king to make him head of the army.o He planned to overthrow the king.

His first task was to convince those who fled to rejoin the army.Page | 13

o They fled to the top of mount Antipas. Thrice he asked their leader, Lehonti, to meet with him.

o Thrice he refused. The fourth time, he went up to outside their camp.

o He requested Lehonti meet with him along with his guards. Amalickiah had Lehonti come down at night and surround his army.

o He would surrender his army if Lehonti made him his second-in-command.

o Lehonti did this. Why would Amalickiah agree to be second?

o If the chief leader were killed, the second would become the chief leader.

Amalickiah had Lehonti slowly poisoned.o When Lehonti died, Amalickiah took over.o He now had his army.

The king of the Lamanites came out to meet with Amalickiah to see his fully manned army.

o When the king came to meet Amalickiah, a servant of Amalickiah stabbed and killed the king.

The servants of the king fled.o Amalickiah called out “the servants of the king have stabbed him to

the heart, and he has fallen and they have fled; behold, come and see” (v. 25).

o He commanded his army they should find and kill these servants. The servants fled to the land of Zarahemla and joined the Ammonites.

o We will see this happen again in the future. Amalickiah was able to “[gain] the hearts of the people” (v. 30).

o He took the army to the city of Nephi and took possession of the city. The queen, hearing what had happened, “desired [Amalickiah] should come

in unto her; and she also desired him that he should bring witnesses with him to testify concerning the death of the king” (v. 33).

o Amalickiah, along with the servant who killed the king, testified the king’s servants killed him.

They confessed their guilt by fleeing. Amalickiah was able to win the queen’s love and marry her. He now had his

kingdom. The kingdom was composed of Lamanites, Lemuelites, Ishmaelites, and

Nephite dissenters from “the reign of Nephi down to the present time” (v. 35).

o The Nephite dissenters “became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites—drinking in with the traditions of the Lamanites; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God” (v. 36).

Chapter 48

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Amalickiah immediately began to turn the Lamanites against the Nephites.o His goal was to rule over the entire land, both Nephites and

Lamanites. His people were convinced to go to war.

He gathered a “numerous host to go to battle against the Nephites” (v. 3). He appointed Zoramites chief captains because they were familiar with the

Nephites. Mormon contrasts Amalickiah and Moroni1.

o Amalickiah obtained power through fraud and deceit (v 7).o Moroni1 prepared the minds of the people to be faithful to the Lord

(vs. 7-11). He also had been strengthening the armies of the Nephites.

He erected small forts, threw up “banks of earth round about to enclose his armies,” built stonewalls to surround the forts, cities, and borders of the land (v. 8).

Where he was weakest, he placed the largest number of men.

See Quote #12 Mormon describes Moroni1 (vs. 11-14)

o He was a strong and mighty man.o He was a man of perfect understanding.o He did not delight in bloodshed.o His soul did joy in the liberty and freedom of his country, and his

brethren from bondage and slavery.o His heart did swell with thanksgiving to God.o He labored exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.o He was firm in the faith of Christ.o He was willing to die to defend his people, his rights, his country, and

his religion. The Nephites were to (v. 14):

o Defend themselves against their enemies, even to the shedding of blood.

o They were never to give an offense.o They were never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy

to preserve their lives.o God would let them know when they should go to war.

He will deliver them. The Nephite army has a unique attitude about battling the Lamanites.

o “They were sorry to take up arms”, “they did not delight in the shedding of blood”, “they were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this world into the eternal world, unprepared to meet their God” (v. 23).

See Quote #13 See Quote #14

Nevertheless, they still had to fight to protect themselves.

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Chapter 49

The Lamanites were coming to attack in the land of Ammonihah. Ammonihah had been rebuilt. The Lamanites felt it would be an easy city to take. They were “astonished exceedingly” by how well the city was protected. Their goal was to either “subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or

slay and massacre them” (v. 7). Amalickiah did not come at the head of his army at this time.

o Had he been there, he would have had his army attack Ammonihah.o It would have been a bloody battle with many Lamanites dead.

This wouldn’t have bothered Amalickiah because he didn’t care about those in his army.

The leaders of the Lamanite chose not to attack.o They retreated into the wilderness and head towards the land of

Noah. They didn’t know Moroni1 had reinforced all his cities.

As the army headed towards Noah, the chief captains took an oath they would destroy the people and the city.

Lehi2 was the general in Noah.o The Lamanites feared Lehi2 and didn’t want to attack.o Their chief captains paid for their arrogance.

Because of their oath, they had to attack the city. Because of security measures, the only way to enter the city was through

the main entrance.o The Nephites would be able to stop the invading army using rocks

and arrows.o The Lamanites attacked and were constantly driven back.

Over a thousand Lamanites died, including all their chief captains.o Not one Nephite was killed, only fifty were injured.

Having lost their chief captains, the remaining army retreated. Amalickiah was notified of the defeat. He was angry because his efforts to take over the Nephites were thwarted.

o He cursed God and Moroni1.o Amalickiah then swore an oath he would drink Moroni1’s blood.

See Quote #15 See Quote #16 (highly recommended)

The Nephites, on the other hand, thanked God for delivering them from their enemy.

For a time, there was peace and prosperity in the church.

Chapter 50

Even with a time of peace, Moroni1 continued his war preparations. o He didn’t trust Amalickiah.

He continued his approach to protecting cities.

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o They began to dig “up heaps of earth round about all the cities” (v. 1).

o On the top of these mounds, he placed timbers and used them to make “a frame of pickets … and they were strong and high” (v. 3).

o Towers were then erected to “overlook those works of pickets” (v. 4). Lamanites were living in the east part of Nephite lands.

o Moroni1 had the army drive them into Lamanites lands. He then moved people in the land of Zarahemla and in lands surrounding

Zarahemla to the east wilderness.o Armies were placed on the south border.o Fortifications were built to protect the army and the people.

The armies increased daily to ensure protection of the people. Moroni1 wanted to cut off the Lamanites from their lands. A new city, Nephihah, was built. See Quote #17 Mormon breaks in with his observations.

o “[W]e see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men” (v. 19)

o He reminds us of the Lords promise to Lehi1. “[Thy children] shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep

my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord” (v. 20).

o These promises have been verified to the people of Nephi. Mormon tells us “there never was a happier time among the people of

Nephi, since the days of Nephi, than in the days of Moroni” (v. 23). Contention in the land occurred two years later.

o The people of Morianton claimed a part of the land of Lehi. Contentions led the people of Morianton to take the land by force.

o People from the land of Lehi asked for help from Moroni1. Morianton, the leader of the army, was concerned that Moroni1 and his

army would get involved and defeat them.o They decided to flee to the land northward.o Morianton makes a huge mistake.

He got angry with a servant and beat her. She went to the camp of Moroni1 and told him of their plans.

Moroni1 sent his army to stop Morianton’s flight. Teancum led this army. The people of Morianton were stubborn.

o They were inspired by Morianton’s flattering words. A battle began.

o Teancum killed Morianton and defeated his army.o The people of Morianton were allowed to go free “upon their

covenanting to keep the peace. [T]hey were restored to the land of Morianton, and a union took place between them and the people of Lehi” (v. 36).

Back home, the chief judge, Nephihah, died.Page | 17

o His son Pahoran filled the judgment-seat.

Chapters 51-52

Summary

The Second Amalickiahite War (Seven Years' War) Source: Alma 51-62. Dates: 25th-31st Year of the Reign of the Judges (67-61 B.C.). Location: Throughout the land of Zarahemla. Causes:  Return of Amalickiah, coinciding with the armed revolt of the king-

men and his brother Ammoron's assumption of Lamanite kingship. Initial Lamanite successes in the east and west were partly attributable to the king-men issue at home.

Tactics: Protracted warfare; full-scale attempts to conquer cities and occupy lands surrounding Zarahemla on the west, south, and north; concurrent campaigns on several fronts, including Nephite efforts to control internal insurrection. This time, commanders who personally knew the Nephite lands and cities led the Lamanite forces.

Results: A very costly Nephite victory. These wars were evidently hard on the Nephite rulers, for Helaman, Moroni, Pahoran, Shiblon, Corianton, and others were all dead or gone by Alma 63.13

 

Cast of Characters

Amalickiah - Leader of the dissenters; wants to be king (46:3-4). Ammoron – Brother of Amalickiah; becomes king after Teancum slays

Amalickiah (52:3). Helaman2 – Leader of the church; high priest (45:20). Jacob the Lamanite – A Zoramite captain; refused Nephite request to fight

on fair grounds; killed in battle (50:20, 35). Lehi2 – A Nephite general (43:35). Moroni1 – Chief Commander of the Nephite armies (43:16). Pahoran – Chief judge (50:39). Teancum - A Nephite general (50:35).

Chapter 51

A new conflict arises.o Some felt the law should be altered.

They petitioned Pahoran to change the law.o Pahoran refused their petitions to change the law.

They were angry and wanted him removed as chief judge.

13 Why Study Warfare in the Book of Mormon? John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed July 22, 2012.

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o Those opposing Pahoran were called king-men because they wanted a king.

Those supporting Pahoran were called freeman.o Freeman covenanted “to maintain their rights and the privileges of

their religion by a free government” (v. 6). The matter was put to the people.

o The result was in favor of the freeman.o Pahoran remained on the judgment seat.

Those in favor of a king were “those of high birth” (v. 8).o People who wanted power and authority supported the king-men.

While this was going on, Amalickiah was preparing for war. See Quote #17 His army was not as large as before, but it was still large.

o This time, Amalickiah came at the head of the army. The king-men refused to take up arm and defend their country. Moroni1 was “exceedingly wroth” with those who refused to defend their

country.o Pahoran sent out a petition that gave Moroni1 the power to force the

dissenters to serve in the army or be put to death. Moroni1 commanded his army to go against the king-men.

o Four thousand king-men died by the sword.o The leaders who survived were put into prison.o The remainder of the king-men surrendered and agreed to defend

their country. This put an end to the king-men. While Moroni1 was putting down the king-men rebellion, the Lamanites

confronted the Nephites.o The Nephites were not able to defeat the Lamanites at the city of

Moroni.o The Lamanites took possession of Moroni.

Those who fled from Moroni came to Nephihah.o The people of Nephihah and Lehi began to prepare for battle.

Amalickiah successfully took many Nephite cities. As the Lamanites were marching forward to the land Bountiful, they met

Teancum and his army.o Teancum repulsed Amalickiah.

Teancum continued to harass Amalickiah’s army. In the evening, they pitched their tents on the borders.

o Teancum and his servant went to the camp of Amalickiah at night.o He entered the tent of Amalickiah.o While he was sleeping, Teancum “put a javelin to his heart” (v. 34).

Amalickiah died immediately. Teancum returned and woke his army, telling them what happened.

o He had his army ready should the Lamanites attack.

Chapter 52Page | 19

In the morning, the body of Amalickiah was discovered.o The Lamanites retreated to the city Mulek.

Ammoron, Amalickiah’s brother, was appointed king.o His first act was to make sure the Lamanites held the cities they had

taken. Teancum decided it was not wise to attempt to attack the Lamanites in the

fortified cities.o He had his men work as if preparing for war.o He was preparing his men to defend themselves.

He continued his preparations until Moroni1 sent a large number of men to support his army.

Teancum was told to retain all prisoners.o The Lamanites had many prisoners.o There could be a possible trade of prisoners.

He was also told to continue to harass the Lamanites.o He should do as much damage as possible.

Ammoron departed and let the queen know what had happened to the king.o He also gathered a large number of men.o He marched the troops along the Nephite borders, harassing the

Nephites.o He also wanted to pull troops away from their encampments,

weakening the Nephite army. The war was not going well for the Nephites. Moroni1 commanded Teancum to attack the city of Mulek and retake it if it

were possible.o He marched forward, preparing to attack.o He discovered it would be impossible to take back the city.o He retreated and waited for Moroni1 to come and strengthen the

army. Moroni1 arrived at the land of Bountiful.

o Moroni1, Teancum, and chief captains held a war council.o They discussed what they could do to cause the Lamanites to come

out of the city. Messages were sent to the leader, Jacob.

o He was challenged to meet Moroni1 on fair ground. Jacob the Lamanite refused. Moroni1’s next strategy was to decoy the Lamanites and get them to come

out of their cities.o Teancum took a small number of men and marched towards the

seashore.o At night, Moroni1’s army marched into the wilderness.

In the morning, Lamanite guards saw Teancum’s army. Jacob the Lamanite was told.

o Armies of the Lamanites marched against Teancum.o The Lamanites had a larger army than Teancum.

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When Teancum saw the Lamanites, he retreated down to the seashore.o Seeing the retreat, the Lamanites were pleased and pursued them.

Moroni1 took his army into the city and took possession of it.o Anyone who would not surrender and give up their weapons was

killed. Moroni1 marched some of his army towards the Lamanites chasing after

Teancum.o The Lamanites pursued Teancum to the city Bountiful.

Teancum met with Lehi2 and his small army. The Lamanites, seeing this, “fled in much confusion” (v. 28).

o They did not know Moroni1 was following them. The Lamanites were surrounded by the Nephites.

o The Lamanites were tired from their march. Moroni1 commanded his army to “fall upon them until they had given up

their weapons of war” (v. 32).o Jacob the Lamanite led the Lamanites to battle against Moroni1.

Moroni1’s army was more powerful than the Lamanite army.o Both sides fought with fury.o Moroni1 was wounded and Jacob the Lamanite was killed.

Lehi2 fought from the rear with much fury. The Lamanites in the rear surrendered and gave up their weapons of war. Moroni1 made it clear, “If ye will bring forth your weapons of war and deliver

them up, behold we will forbear shedding your blood” (v. 37). The chief captains who were still alive commanded their men to accept

Moroni1’s terms.o Many would not. o They were bound and taken prisoner.

The number of prisoners taken was more than the number slain on both sides.

Quote #1

Not only is a preemptive strike out of the question, but Moroni's people have to let the enemy attack at least twice before responding, to guarantee that their own action is purely defensive (see Alma 43:46). The highest compliment that Alma can pay Moroni is: “Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon” (Alma 48:18), who, as we have seen, renounced all military solutions to the Lamanite problem.14

Quote #2

William Hamblin writes:

The Book of Mormon implicitly condemns wars of aggression. Until their final calamity, all Nephite military objectives were strictly defensive. It was a 14 Scriptural Perspectives on How to Survive the Calamities of the Last Days, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 16, 2011.

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mandatory, sacred obligation of all able-bodied Nephite men to defend their families, country, and religious freedoms (Alma 43:47; 46:12), but only as God commanded them.15

Quote #3

Chief Captain Moroni was appointed to command all of the Nephite armies when he was “only twenty and five years old” (Alma 43:16-17). The use of the term “only” indicates he was considered a young commander, even by Nephite standards. No information is given regarding his early years, but few leaders have ranked with him in terms of devotion, courage, and strength of character. The later Prophet Mormon was undoubtedly so impressed with Captain Moroni's example that he gave his own son the same name. Moroni took command of the Nephite armies in approximately 74 B.C. This marked the beginning of a new era in Book of Mormon warfare. Apparently many of the practices introduced at this time continued throughout the remainder of Nephite history, and even up to the time of the Spanish conquest.16

Quote #4

William Hamblin describes the “uniform” worn by the Nephites.

The Nephites, on the other hand, are described as using special “thick clothing” as part of their armor (Alma 43:19). Generally speaking, however, we are left with little evidence as to the other materials used to make Nephite armor. The frequent use of the word “plate” in head-plates and breastplates implies some type of rigid armor, such as wood, horn, treated leather, stone, or metal. Indeed, the head-plates are said to have been “smit[ten] in two” by Lamanite blows (Alma 43:44). Archaeological evidence from Mesoamerica suggests that metals were not extensively used for armor, and it is therefore likely that most Nephite head-plates and breastplates were for the most part nonmetallic.17

Quote #515 Warfare in the Book of Mormon, William J. Hamblin, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 16, 2011.16 Nephite Captains and Armies, A. Brent Merrill, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 13, 2011.17 Armor in the Book of Mormon, William J. Hamblin, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 14, 2011.

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Hugh Nibley observes:

[T]he Nephites had the better cause, as Mormon explains, since they were fighting strictly on the defensive. This was no pious cant, for the Nephites in this case were really not the aggressors; they had observed the rule that God had given them, that “inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain” (Alma 43:46). The Lamanites, on the other hand, were fighting for monarchy and power, and made no secret of their intention of subduing and ruling (Alma 43:45).18

Quote #6

Hugh Nibley comments:

The sorely pressed Lamanites, by flocking together for protection, as beaten armies usually do, made it all the easier for Moroni with his carefully hoarded reserves to surround them. Then he immediately called a halt to the fighting … [H]e went out to meet Zerahemnah … Here was Moroni's chance to settle the Lamanite problem once and for all on the spot; a vastly superior force had entered and ravaged a large part of his country, bent on subduing it entirely, and now he had them, as he says, completely in his power. Well might he have said, “Kill or be killed. It is either you or us!” and finished them off. But instead of that type of total victory he did not even ask for unconditional surrender … All he asked of his bloodthirsty foe was that they deliver up their weapons and promise not to fight the Nephites anymore…19

Quote #7

John Welch explains the importance of an oath in Nephite society.

The case of Moroni and Zerahemnah demonstrates in considerable detail how the Nephites and Lamanites often used oaths to consummate a legal treaty at the end of a war. Upon gaining a position of clear advantage in battle, Moroni proposed a negative covenant— something a conqueror commonly imposed in the Near East on a defeated army—requiring the Lamanites to surrender their 18 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 16, 2011.19 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 17, 2011.

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weapons of war and covenant never to return to fight against the Nephites. The oath of peace was obviously an important part of Moroni's proposal because he refused Zerahemnah's counteroffer, which simply involved the Lamanites delivering up their weapons of war (see Alma 44:6-10). After further conflict, Zerahemnah and his soldiers eventually yielded up their weapons, and “after they had entered into a covenant with [Moroni] of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness” (Alma 44:20). The Nephites required similar covenants of peace of the Lamanites in later battles (see Alma 62:16), of the people of Morianton (see Alma 50:36), and of the captured soldiers of Zemnarihah (see 3 Nephi 5:4).20

Quote #8

John Welch writes:

No one saw more clearly than Moroni where this was leading—all that he had achieved with great toil and danger was going to be thrown away if he did not act quickly. “Angry with Amalickiah,” (Alma 46:11), he reacted with that speed and decision which is the mark of the great leader in the field. Raising his “Title of Liberty” according to the ancient custom and as the type of the torn garment of the outcast Joseph, and the symbol of the poor and outcast of Israel, he announced to the people, “Surely God shall not suffer that we, who are despised because we take upon us the name of Christ, shall be trodden down … until we bring it upon [ourselves]” (Alma 46:18).21

Quote #9

Matthew M. F. Hilton and Neil J. Flinders wrote:

The covenant of the Nephite people, then, was not allegiance to a man, such as Moroni, nor to a government position, such as the office of chief judge, held by Nephihah and Pahoran. Instead, the covenants and commitments were made directly to God, to whom the people believed they were personally accountable. Again, this allegiance reflected a deep-seated commitment to … tradition based on individual or institutional allegiance.22

20 Law and War in the Book of Mormon, John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed December 20, 2011.21 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed March 27, 2012.22 The Impact of Shifting Cultural Assumptions on the Military Policies Directing Armed Conflict Reported in the Book of Alma, Matthew M. F. Hilton, and Neil J. Flinders, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed March 28, 2012.

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See Quote #10

William Hamblin explains:

Nephite armies consulted prophets before going to battle (Alma 16:5; 43:23—24; 3 Ne. 3:19) and entered into covenants with God before battle. On one occasion, the Nephite soldiers swore a solemn oath, covenanting to obey God's commandments and to fight valiantly for the cause of righteousness, casting their garments on the ground at the feet of their leader and inviting God to cast themselves likewise at the feet of their enemies if they should violate their oath (Alma 46:22; cf. 53:17).23

See Quote #11

John Welch explains the legal matters the Nephites were facing.

Captain Moroni exercised legal authority over the dissenters who had taken up arms and left with Amalickiah to join the Lamanites but who were soon captured (see Alma 46:29-35). Though no trials were held for these king-men dissenters, Moroni was not usurping legal authority in acting as he did. The record is careful to state that the chief judges and the voice of the people had expressly given Moroni plenary power “to exercise authority over [the armies of the Nephites]” (Alma 46:34). The dissenting soldiers were clearly guilty of disloyalty or treason against the state. The chief captain's handling of the matter was expedient, simple, fair, and within his jurisdiction. He gave the rebel soldiers the choice of either entering “into a covenant to support the cause of freedom” or of being put to death (Alma 46:35).24 

Quote #12

William Hamblin expands on the Nephite preparations.23 Warfare in the Book of Mormon, William J. Hamblin, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed March 28, 2012.24 Law and War in the Book of Mormon, John W. Welch, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed March 30, 2012.

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The Nephites expanded this system of fortifications to protect their cities from Lamanite incursions (see Alma 48:8; 49:13-20; 50:1-6, 10). lf the Lamanites attempted to assault a city, the Nephites planned to “destroy all such as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any other way, by casting over stones and arrows at them” (Alma 49:19). Such fortifications, “which never had been known among the children of Lehi” (Alma 49:8), confounded the Lamanite strategy, forcing them to retreat into the wilderness (see Alma 49:12).25

Quote #13

Hugh Nibley observes:

[L]ike Alma [Moroni] insists on designating the enemy as his “brethren,” and he means it. This, then, would seem to be a case of “the good people against the bad people,” until we remember that the Lamanites were equally reluctant to fight the Nephites, our story being a lesson in “the great wickedness one very wicked man can cause."26

Quote #14

Hugh Nibley observes:

[Moroni’s] magnanimous nature as a lover of peace and fair play always prevailed. He always calls the enemy his brothers, with whom he is loathe to contend. You cannot ask for a less warlike spirit than that of an army who “were compelled reluctantly to contend with their brethren, the Lamanites,” who waged war “for the space of many years, . . . notwithstanding their much reluctance”; who were “sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites, because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea . . . they were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this world” (Alma 48:21–23). “27

25 The Bow and Arrow in the Book of Mormon, William J. Hamblin, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 6, 2012.26 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 9, 2012.27 Freemen and King-men in the Book of Mormon, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 9, 2012.

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Quote #15

Hugh Nibley observes:

So the great and carefully planned offensive with all its high hopes for a quick victory fizzled out, and a beaten army went back to report to the infuriated “Führer” (Alma 49:25—26). In a towering rage, “exceedingly wroth ... he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood” (Alma 49:27). At every step in his career he had found that man Moroni barring the way; at every step in the campaign his own army had played into the hands of that Moroni. No wonder Moroni began to be an obsession with him.28

Quote #16

Ehab Abunuwara wrote an article about the Book of Mormon from an Arab perspective. He wrote about this incident with Amalickiah and his oath.

Recently, as I was reading in the Book of Mormon, I came across the story of Amalickiah, a king of the Lamanites who was a Nephite by origin. When Amalickiah heard of his army's defeat at the hands of the Nephites, he was “exceedingly wroth, and he did curse God, and also Moroni, swearing with an oath that he would drink his blood” (Alma 49:27). As I read, I found myself translating the words into Arabic as if that were how they were intended to be written. I have known English for many years now, but still I am not sure that I know how to curse God in English or that I have ever heard anybody do that. Nor have I heard anyone make an oath to drink someone's blood. But in Arabic both expressions are common, and, unfortunately, I have heard both. On a preconscious level, that verse was more meaningful to me in Arabic than in English.”29

28 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 13, 2012.29 Into the Desert: An Arab View of the Book of Mormon, Ehab Abunuwara, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 13, 2012.

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Quote #17

John L. Sorenson explains these “instant cities.”

A type of city that was sometimes small was the military garrison city that was established quickly. Antiparah, Zeezrom, and Cumeni, which all lay between Manti and the west sea, were of this sort (see Alma 50:10–11; 56:9–10, 13–16). More of these “instant cities” were installed near the east sea coast (see Alma 50:13–15). (They are reminiscent of the small fortified settlements, or even isolated fortresses, that existed in Old Testament times in the land of Israel but were labeled cities in the Bible because they were surrounded by defensive walls.)”30

Quote #18

[T]he royalists had not played all their cards; their agitation had been timed to coincide with a move from the direction of their banished leader Amalickiah, who “had again stirred up the … Lamanites … and [was] preparing for war with all diligence” (Alma 51:9). Counting on Amalickiah's aid, the beaten party “were glad in their hearts” of his approach, and ‘refused to take up arms” to resist it, being “wroth with the chief judge, and also with the people of liberty” who had given them a setback (Alma 51:13).31

30 Civilization, John L. Sorenson, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 15, 2012.31 A Rigorous Test: Military History, Hugh Nibley, Provo, Utah: Maxwell Institute, accessed April 18, 2012.

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