Alma 19

After two days and two nights, King Lamoni’s family prepared to bury his body. Having heard of Ammon’s fame, the queen sent for him. Ammon arrived and asked the queen what he could do.

“My husband’s servants say that you are a prophet of God,” the queen said, “and that you have the power to do great works in his name. If this is true, please go see my husband. Some say he is dead, but others say that he is not. Some say that he stinks of death and should be buried, but I don’t think so.”

This is what Ammon had been hoping for, since he knew that King Lamoni was under the power of God. He knew that the dark veil of disbelief was being removed from the king’s mind, and that his soul was being illuminated by the glory, joy, and goodness of God. When he entered the king’s bedroom, he could see that he was alive.

“He is not dead,” said Ammon. “He is sleeping in God. Tomorrow he will rise again, so do not bury him. Do you believe this?”

“Other than your word, I have no basis for believing,” she replied. “Nevertheless, I believe what you say.”

“You are blessed because of your faith,” Ammon said. “Among all the Nephites, there is no faith as great as yours.”

The queen stayed by the king’s bedside through the following day until the king arose, as had been foretold by Ammon. When he arose, the king said to her, “Blessed is the name of God, and blessed are you. I have seen the Redeemer. He will come forth, born of a woman, and he will redeem all mankind who believe in his name.”

Having said this, the king was filled with joy and the queen was overpowered by God’s Spirit. Ammon fell to his knees in thanks and joy. His prayers had been answered. The Lamanites had been filled with God’s Spirit. The king, the queen, and Ammon were all so overpowered by God’s presence that they fell to the ground. When the king’s servants saw this, they cried out to God because the fear of God had come upon them, also. All of the king’s servants called upon God and fell to the ground, except a Lamanite woman named Abish. Because her father had had a vision, she was already a secret convert to God.

When Abish saw the king, queen, their servants, and Ammon fall to the ground as if dead, she knew this was caused by the power of God. She saw this miracle as an opportunity to convert others to God by having them witness this scene. She ran from house to house, telling the people what had happened, and asking them to assemble in the king’s house.

As the number of witnesses grew, some began to suggest that this was an act of great evil that had come upon them, because the king had allowed Ammon (a Nephite) to live in their land. Others claimed that the king had brought this upon himself by killing the servants who had allowed his flocks to be scattered. Others, who had scattered the king’s flocks, were also present. They were angry with Ammon because he had killed or maimed their companions while he was defending the king’s flocks.

One of those present was the brother of the leader whom Ammon had killed with his sword. This man drew his sword and stepped forward to kill Ammon, but he instantly fell dead before the crowd of witnesses. Ammon was protected by God as had been promised to his father, King Mosiah. When the crowd saw this, they were overcome by fear and wonder. They asked themselves about the meaning and source of these great powers they witnessed. No one dared to touch any of the fallen people.

Some said that Ammon was the Great Spirit. Some said he was sent to them by the Great Spirit. Others said he was a Nephite monster sent to torment them, or that he had been sent by the Great Spirit to punish them for their sinfulness. The Great Spirit had always favored the Nephites and intervened when the Lamanites attacked. These interventions had already caused the destruction of many Lamanites. The arguments among the crowd were harsh and angry.

When the servant woman, Abish, saw the arguments and commotion she’d aroused by bringing the crowd together, she burst into tears. She took the queen’s hand, hoping to raise her from the ground. As soon as she touched her, the queen arose and stood.

“Oh, blessed Jesus,” the queen cried out loudly, “who has saved me from an awful hell. God have mercy on this people.”

The queen was filled with joy. When she took the hand of King Lamoni, he also arose and saw the argumentative crowd surrounding him. He immediately reprimanded his people and taught them about what he’d learned from Ammon. Because of what they’d seen and heard, many people believed Ammon’s words, and were converted to God. Many others would not believe, and went away.

When Ammon arose, he ministered to those who stayed. The servants who had fallen down declared that their hearts had been changed. They no longer felt inclined to do evil had passed. They declared that they’d seen angels who had talked with them, and told them about God and his righteousness. Those who believed were baptized, became righteous, and established a church. This is how the work of God began among the Lamanites. It demonstrates that God reaches out to all who repent and believe in his name. [90 BC]