Alma 23:11 - 23:18

Alma 23:11 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the city of Nephi;

The Lamanites who lived in the city of Nephi.

Alma 23:12 And also of the people of the Lamanites who were in the land of Shilom, and who were in the land of Shemlon, and in the city of Lemuel, and in the city of Shimnilom.

Along with the Lamanites in the lands of Shilom and Shemlon. In addition the Lamanites of the city of Lemuel and Shimnilom.

Alma 23:13 And these are the names of the cities of the Lamanites which were converted unto the Lord; and these are they that laid down the weapons of their rebellion, yea, all their weapons of war; and they were all Lamanites.

These are the names of the lands and cities where the Lamanites were converted to the gospel and did renounce war and put away their weapons of war. It is important to note that these were all Lamanites not any of the dissidents Nehites who live among them.

Alma 23:14 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land wheresoever they dwelt, yea, and all their villages and all their cities.

The Amalikites nor the Amulonites were not converted. Aaron only had one convert of their number. They were angry at the Nephites and spread their hatred among the Lamanites who live in their cities and villages.

Alma 23:15 Therefore, we have named all the cities of the Lamanites in which they did repent and come to the knowledge of the truth, and were converted.

Mormon has just named all the cities and lands that were converted to the gospel which were by in large Lamanite and they had all began the process of repentance and were actively seeking for truth.

Those who actively start rebelling against the truth have a difficult time ridding themselves of rebellious attitudes. They are very negative and are difficult to deal with when talking to them about gospel principles.

Alma 23:16 And now it came to pass that the king and those who were converted were desirous that they might have a name, that thereby they might be distinguished from their brethren; therefore the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.

The converted Lamanites were not wanting to called themselves by a different name other than Lamanites. They wanted to start their knew gospel centered life with a name that would distinguish them from the non-believers. The king and the church leaders along with Aaron came together to take up the topic.

Alma 23:17 And it came to pass that they called their names Anti-Nephi-Lehies; and they were called by this name and were no more called Lamanites.

The name they agreed on was Anti-Nephi-Lehies. The converted Lamanites no longer called themselves Lamanites.

Alma 23:18 And they began to be a very industrious people; yea, and they were friendly with the Nephites; therefore, they did open a correspondence with them, and the curse of God did no more follow them.

The converted Lamanites started to change their culture of laziness and idleness to one of working at farming and industry. They started to do business with the Nephites and as a result the curse given to them by God was beginning to be removed.