Sunday, April 24, 2016

Alma 53:6 - 53:10

Alma 53: 6 And it came to pass that Moroni had thus gained a victory over one of the greatest of the armies of the Lamanites, and had obtained possession of the city of Mulek, which was one of the strongest holds of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi; and thus he had also built a stronghold to retain his prisoners.

Thus far the Nephites under the great leadership of Moroni had just defeated the greatest army of the Lamanites, recaptured the city of Mulek which was one of the strongest fortified cities of the Nephites and had constructed using the Lamanite prisoners of war a compound to hold them all.

Alma 53: 7 And it came to pass that he did no more attempt a battle with the Lamanites in that year, but he did employ his men in preparing for war, yea, and in making fortifications to guard against the Lamanites, yea, and also delivering their women and their children from famine and affliction, and providing food for their armies.

The rest of the year was spent by Moroni in upgrading his men’s combat training and accumulating more supplies for upcoming battles he knew were sure to come. In addition, he was also accumulating supplies for the Nephites civilians that had been displaced by the Lamanites.

Alma 53: 8 And now it came to pass that the armies of the Lamanites, on the west sea, south, while in the absence of Moroni on account of some intrigue amongst the Nephites, which caused dissensions amongst them, had gained some ground over the Nephites, yea, insomuch that they had obtained possession of a number of their cities in that part of the land.

However, as Moroni was away helping Teancum and Lehi regain Mulek and defeating Jacob’s forces, the Lamanite had continued their aggression in the area on the west sea side. Some gains had been made by them because of the stupidity of some Nephites dissenters. The contentions among the Nephites had led to the Lamanites taking more cities in the area.

Alma 53: 9 And thus because of iniquity amongst themselves, yea, because of dissensions and intrigue among themselves they were placed in the most dangerous circumstances.

So it was the Nephites themselves who were their worst enemies. Dissentions and squabbling had made them easier conquest for the Lamanites and as a result, the Nephites once again lost more strongholds and territory to the Lamanites.

Alma 53: 10 And now behold, I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites.

Mormon now wants to describe the reactions to the dangers the Nephites faced by the people of Ammon. These were the Lamanites that had taken an oath never to take up arms again against anyone for any reason and had been brought down to Zarahemla for their own protection.

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