2 Nephi 20:1 - 20:5

2 Nephi 20:1 Wo unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed;

Regardless of the wickedness of a particular kingdom, or the desirability to bring stability to a region by destroying a country, no one has the right to make war on them. (Only the Lord can do this.)

2 Nephi 20:2 To turn away the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless!

You cannot deny what the poor and needy require to live. You cannot keep from the fatherless what they need to survive in this life. You cannot make war on the helpless.

2 Nephi 20:3 And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory?

To those who commit such atrocities, they themselves will have no one to appeal for help. If you have sought for plunder in your life, the Lord will not help you in any way. Your alliances will be worthless in your time of peril

2 Nephi 20:4 Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.

Even if these plunders themselves fall, the Lord will still help if asked. He realizes that you maybe the victim of your environment and not know any better than to do as you are told by your leaders, but the Lord will help you get pass that if you seek His help.

2 Nephi 20:5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is their indignation.

But the Lord will use the Assyrians as a tool to punish Ephraim for their sins and treatment of the poor and widows.