Alma 48

As ruler of the Lamanite kingdom Amalickiah provoked and fueled the Lamanites’ hatred toward the Nephites through appointed propagandists. Now he wanted to rule over the all Nephites as well as over all the Lamanites. By the end of the 19 th year of elected judges, he had succeeded in mobilizing the large Lamanite population in support of a new war against the Nephites, who he thought could be overwhelmed by superior numbers.

He appointed Zoramites as his chief army commanders because they were most acquainted with the strengths and weaknesses of the Nephites. When all was ready they prepared to march on Zarahemla.

While Amalickiah had been busy acquiring power through fraud and treachery, Moroni had been working with the Nephites to strengthen their faith in God. He also strengthened the Nephite army, built forts, protective embankments, and walls throughout the land. He placed extra soldiers at the points of weakest fortification. He worked at many levels to build support for the Christian cause of freedom, peace, and the protection of their land and families. Moroni was a strong and mighty man who did not want bloodshed, but was committed to keeping his people free from enslavement to others. He gave thanks to God for the privileges and blessings that came to his people, and worked hard to preserve these. He was solid in his faith in Jesus Christ.

The Nephites were taught to defend themselves against their enemies, but to never make unprovoked attacks against others. By fighting defensively, God supported them if they were also faithful in keeping his commandments. God would also tell them to flee or prepare for battle according to the danger involved. God made it known that when they went out to defend themselves from attack, he would deliver victory to them. This was the faith of Moroni. He gloried in preserving his people, keeping God’s commandments, and resisting sinfulness. If all men had been like Moroni, the power of hell would have been shaken to its foundation, and the devil would lose his hold on the hearts of men. In this, he was like Ammon and his brothers, and like Alma and his sons. They were all men of God.

Helaman and his brothers were also busy doing their part. They preached the word of God, and performed baptisms for those who listened to their words and wished to repent. For four years the Nephites had been free from infighting. At the end of the 19th year of elected judges, the Nephites reluctantly took up arms again to defend themselves against the Lamanites. For this they were greatly sorry because they did not take pleasure in warfare. They were sorry to have to kill the Lamanites who were unprepared to meet their God. But what else could they do? If they didn’t fight, their families would be slaughtered by the evil cruelty of an enemy who had once been their brothers before leaving to become Lamanites. [72 BC]