Alma 35

When Amulek finished preaching to the Zoramites, he and Alma returned to the land of Jershon where the Ammonites resided. There, they met up with their fellow missionaries after they too had finished their preaching to the Zoramites.

As Alma’s mission had progressed, the Zoramites became angry with their missionary work and wouldn’t listen to the words that were said. It would destroy their priestcraft. After Alma left the Zoramite rulers secretively canvassed their people to learn of all their people’s sympathies toward his missionary work. Those who approved of Alma’s teachings were thrown out of their homes and out of the land. These outcast people also came to the land of Jershon where they were ministered to and aided by Alma and his brothers.

The Zoramites then became angry with the Ammonites who sheltered the refugees, and their ruler demanded that the Ammonites also throw out the people that they had banished. The Zoramites backed up their demands with threats but the Ammonites were fearless and gladly received all the outcast Zoramites giving them food, clothing, and land to settle on.

When the Zoramites saw that their demands were being spurned, they agitated the Lamanites in hopes of provoking them into conflict with the Ammonites. As their anger smoldered, they made preparations for war against the Ammonites and Nephites.

In the 17th year of elected judges, the Ammonites moved to another area and made way for the Nephite army to occupy their land in anticipation of war. In the 18 th year of elected judges, another Lamanite war began. An account of that war will follow.

Alma and his missionary companions returned to Zarahemla, having brought many Zoramites to repentance and salvation. But among his own people Alma was saddened by the conflicts and stubbornness that he saw. Many said that his words were too strict.

Alma called his three sons to him to give each of them separate guidance in matters of righteousness. The following is an account of what he said to them. [74 BC]