Alma 62

When Moroni received Pahoran’s letter he was encouraged, and filled with joy because of the governor’s faithfulness. Pahoran was no traitor to freedom and the cause of his country after all. He was deeply saddened that Pahoran had been driven from office, and angered at those who rebelled against their country and God.

As requested, Moroni took a small group of men to see Pahoran in Gideon. They marched across the country under a banner of freedom, and gathered up an army of thousands who were willing to fight with them. When they joined forces with Pahoran in Gideon they were a stronger and greater force than that of Pachus, the king of the rebellion.

They came to battle when their combined armies reached Zarahemla. In short order Pachus was killed, his men were taken prisoners, and Pahoran was restored as chief judge and governor. Shortly thereafter a trial was held. Any of the king-men who had fought against the government, and wouldn’t now take up arms to defend it, were put to death. It was necessary that the law be strictly observed for the security of the country.

In the 31st year of elected judges, Moroni sent provisions and 6,000 soldiers to Helaman, to hold that part of the country. He also sent an additional 6,000 troops, and provisions, to Lehi and Teancum. [61 BC]

Moroni and Pahoran then took an army to Nephihah to take it back. They encountered a large party of Lamanites on their march to Nephihah and easily defeated them. After taking their weapons they extracted a promise from the survivors to quit warring against the Nephite people. This group of 4,000 Lamanites was sent to live with the Ammonites, and the army continued their march to Nephihah.

When they arrived in Nephihah they pitched their tents in the plains surrounding the city. Moroni wanted the Lamanites to come out of the city and battle on the plains. The Lamanites though, had no intention of leaving their fortified city to face the stronger Nephite army on the open field. So that night Moroni went out in the darkness to the top of the city’s wall, and determined that the sleeping Lamanites were all camped near the east entrance.

Moroni returned to his army, and quickly organized an invasion party, utilizing rope ladders, to gain access to the city’s west side. By dawn all the Nephites were inside the city and ready to attack. When the Lamanites awoke and saw the Nephites within the city walls they ran out the east gate in terror. Rather than letting them all escape Moroni sent his army after them. Many were killed, and many more were taken prisoner. Without the loss of a single man, Moroni and Pahoran had retaken Nephihah.

The Lamanite prisoners all wanted to go live with the Ammonites and become free people. This request was granted to them. Afterwards they became diligent farmers and the Nephites were relieved of the burden of keeping them as prisoners.

After Moroni defeated the Lamanite army that held Nephihah he freed the Nephite prisoners. His own army was greatly strengthened while the Lamanite army was greatly weakened. The remaining Lamanites fled in fear when they saw that Moroni and his army was coming against them. Moroni’s army chased the invaders from city to city before them. When Moroni met up with the army of Lehi and Teancum, they continued pushing the Lamanites before them until they came to the city of Moroni.

When all the Lamanites were driven into one group, led by their King Ammoron, Moroni encircled them with his army, and both sides settled down for the night. Teancum was so angry with Ammoron and his dead brother Amalickiah for starting this war that he stole into the city that night. When he found Ammoron he thrust a spear through his heart. But before Ammoron died he cried out to his guards, who chased down and killed Teancum. Lehi and Moroni were filled with sorrow when they learned of Teancum’s death. He had been a great man who’d fought valiantly for his country and was a true friend of freedom.

The next day Moroni’s army marched forward against the Lamanites, slaughtering and driving them from the land. This was the end of many years of war, internal conflict, famine, and hardship. More troubles did not come along for some time. In spite of the murders, injustices, and conflicts among the Nephites, the prayers of the righteous had kept them safe. The years of warfare with the Lamanites had hardened many people, and humbled others. [60 BC]

Once the frontier cities had been sufficiently fortified, Moroni and Helaman returned to Zarahemla to establish peace among the Nephites. Moroni handed over command of the army to his son, and retired in peace. Pahoran returned as the governor and chief judge. Helaman went among the people and preached the word of God. The years of wars had made it necessary to renew the church. So Helaman and his preachers began anew convincing the people of their sinfulness and need for repentance in the name of God. The church of God was reestablished throughout the land.

New judges were chosen, and the Nephite people began to prosper again. Their numbers multiplied as their riches grew, but they did not become vain or filled with pride. They were quick to remember the great things that God had done for them, and humbled themselves before him. God had delivered them from death, from slavery, from prisons, and from all kinds of hardships. They prayed to God at all times, and God blessed them according to his promises that they would prosper in the land.

In the 35 th year of elected judges, Helaman died. [57 BC]