Alma 20

King Lamoni asked Ammon to go meet his father, the king of the Lamanites. But the Lord told Ammon: Do not go; the king will try to kill you. Go to the land of Middoni. Your brothers Aaron, Muloki and Ammah are in prison there. Ammon said to Lamoni: My brothers are in prison at Middoni. I must rescue them.

Lamoni said: Who told you your brothers were in prison? Ammon said: God told me. Then Lamoni said: I know you can do all things by the Lord’s strength. I will go with you; the king of Middoni is my friend.

As Ammon and Lamoni traveled, they met Lamoni’s father, the king of all the Lamanites. He said to Lamoni: I made a feast for my sons and for my people. Why did you not come? Where are you going with this Nephite liar?

When Lamoni told his father where he was going, his father was angry and said: Lamoni, these Nephite liars are here to trick you and steal your riches. I tell you to kill Ammon. Lamoni said to him: I will not kill Ammon. I will go to Middoni to rescue God’s holy prophets.

When his father heard these words, he was angry at Lamoni. He raised his sword to kill his own son. But Ammon stood in the way and said: You will not kill your son, even though it would be better for him to be killed than you. He has repented of his sins.

The king answered: You are the one I should kill. You tried to destroy my son. Then the king tried to kill Ammon, but Ammon hit the king’s arm so hard he could not lift it.

Ammon raised his sword over the king. The king was afraid and said: Spare me and I will give you whatever you ask, even half of my kingdom. Ammon said: Just let my brothers out of prison and let Lamoni keep his kingdom.

When the king saw Ammon had great love for his son Lamoni, he was amazed. He said: I will release your brothers. I will allow my son Lamoni to rule his kingdom forever. Bring your brothers and teach me the words you have taught my son.

Ammon’s brothers were let out of prison. They had no clothes. Their skins were bleeding and torn, they had been tied for so long with strong ropes. They had suffered hunger, thirst and pain. Still, they had been patient.