In Just a Year

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 21-24

Now the number of their dead was not numbered because of the greatness of the number; yea, the number of their dead was exceedingly great, both on the Nephites and on the Lamanites.

And it came to pass that they did cast their dead into the waters of Sidon, and they have gone forth and are buried in the depths of the ^asea.

And the armies of the Nephites, or of Moroni, returned and came to their houses and their lands.

And thus ended the eighteenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi. And thus ended the record of Alma, which was written upon the plates of Nephi.

The Comments:

The dead weren’t numbered on either side??? Because the numbers were too great. How depressing is that?

First off, how many families have just lost fathers? Sons? Brothers? On BOTH sides. The “bad guys” just lost too.  War is not to be taken lightly, nor does anyone get out of it unaffected.  Everyone pays a price.

I had a morbid thought on casting the dead into the waters of the Sidon. For those who loved ones, maybe this can help them find closure. The river takes the bodies out to sea where they are “buried in the depths of the sea.

My other thought—this is so unsanitary!

Make a note that all of this happened in a year. Yikes.

This is the end of Alma’s record.

Just Let it Go

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 20

And it came to pass that Moroni caused that the work of death should cease again among the people. And he took the weapons of war from the Lamanites; and after they had entered into a covenant with him of peace they were suffered to depart into the wilderness.

The Comments:

Moroni orders his men to stop. They take the Lamanites weapons and put them under the covenant and sends them into the wilderness.

Just like he said he would. No fuss. No going back on his word or killing the Lamanites just because he was sick of them.

The Lamanites giving up their weapons of war can be like us giving up our sins.  We finally reach the end of our rope and beg for help.  We listen to the Lord (at last) and do as He says—giving up sins and covenanting to not do them again.

Then we go off in what may be a very different direction than before. Our own unknown wilderness.

Doors Close, Windows Open and All That

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 19

Now Zerahemnah, when he saw that they were all about to be destroyed, cried mightily unto Moroni, promising that he would covenant and also his people with them, if they would spare the remainder of their lives, that they ^anever would come to war again against them.

The Comments:

Zarahemna finally cracks.  He sees that he and his men are about to be destroyed, and the pleads with Moroni to spare them and let them take the oath.

My likening perspective keeps going back and forth through here—sometimes we’re the Nephites and sometimes we’re the Lamanites.

In this case, we can be like Zarahemna wo, after his stubbornness, finds himself at the end of his rope begging for help.  For deliverance.

This is us. We do this. And the Lord is always there for us. Although He may not “deliver” us from a bad situation that we’ve gotten ourselves into, but He will help us find a way out.

Protect the Important Bits

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 18

But behold, their naked skins and their bare heads were exposed to the sharp swords of the Nephites; yea, behold they were pierced and smitten, yea, and did fall exceedingly fast before the swords of the Nephites; and they began to be swept down, even as the soldier of Moroni had prophesied.

The Comments:

…without the protective armor, the Lamanites fell before the Nephites.

“their naked skins and their bare heads were exposed to the sharp swords…”

This is the position we’re in when we don’t wear the Armor of God. We are exposed to sharp swords that pierce and smite us.

The verse states that the Lamanites fell fast. I think that the one tool Satan uses against us is a distorted sense of time.  In some cases we rush into a situation that we should have through more about, because of a “once in a lifetime” opportunity or a time frame given to us.  On the other hand, Satan can make big things seem small, which can lead us down a bad path in a hurry.

The end of this verse refers back to the prophecy of the soldier in verse 14. The scripture uses the word “prophecies.” I assume that this is not an error. So the guy is a prophet? That scalps people. Under special circumstances.

Who is that guy?

Who's Stubborn?

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 17

And now Moroni was angry, because of the stubbornness of the Lamanites; therefore he commanded his people that they should fall upon them and slay them. And it came to pass that they began to slay them; yea, and the Lamanites did contend with their swords and their might.

The Comments:

Moroni is angry at the stubbornness of the Lamanites and orders his men to attack.

Interesting that the word stubborn issued here. Not evil or anything like that. For me reading the account, it is obvious that the Lamanites cannot get out of this, but they fight anyway.  Fight against the only way to get out alive.

We do this. Pull the stubborn card and refuse to go the direction the Lord has (sometimes quite clearly) given us.

Moroni orders his men to kill the remaining Lamanites, which they do.

The Lamanites fight with their swords and their might—which is once again how Satan fights.

But…(See verse 18)

More Power

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 16

Now it came to pass that Zerahemnah was exceedingly wroth, and he did stir up the remainder of his soldiers to anger, to contend more powerfully against the Nephites.

The Comments:

Obviously Zarahemnah was mad and go the remainder of his soldiers to fight.

The verse states that the Lamanites fought with more power than before. So what did Zarahemnah say or do to get his men all riled up? Or were they just angry that some of their brothers had deserted them?

From the Lamanites point of view, the Nephites have done nothing but lie to and manipulate the Lamanites since the day they left Jerusalem, so seen from their perspective, this whole thing must look like a giant trick.

The Difference

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 15

 Now there were many, when they heard these words and saw the scalp which was upon the sword, that were struck with fear; and many came forth and threw down their weapons of war at the feet of Moroni, and entered into a covenant of peace. And as many as entered into a covenant they suffered to depart into the wilderness.

The Comments:

Check this out, the mystery solider (and everything leading up to this point in the battle) actually got through to some of the Lamanites. They are “struck with fear”, throw down their weapons and make a covenant of peace.  The Nephites then keep their word and let the covenanted go free in to the wilderness.

I wonder what happens to them. Did they go back to their homes? Did they really keep their oath to never come against the Nephites again? How did/would the Lamanites back home react to this? These are details that I’ve never considered before.

This could make a pretty compelling story.

I wonder how many took the oath and departed.

Mystery Solider Continued

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 13-14

And it came to pass that the soldier who stood by, who smote off the scalp of Zerahemnah, took up the scalp from off the ground by the hair, and laid it upon the point of his sword, and stretched it forth unto them, saying unto them with a loud voice:

 Even as this scalp has fallen to the earth, which is the scalp of your chief, so shall ye fall to the earth except ye will deliver up your weapons of war and depart with a covenant of peace.

The Comments:

This same mystery soldier raises Zarahemnah’s scalp into the air. He doesn’t brag that he could have killed Zarahemnah, but reaffirms everything Moroni just said. Sort of a second witness testimony—Deliver your weapons and depart with a covenant of peace.

This is what, the Lamanite’s second or third chance to surrender without further bloodshed?

The Mystery Soldier

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 12

And now when Moroni had said these words, Zerahemnah retained his sword, and he was angry with Moroni, and he rushed forward that he might slay Moroni; but as he raised his sword, behold, one of Moroni’s soldiers smote it even to the earth, and it broke by the hilt; and he also smote Zerahemnah that he took off his scalp and it fell to the earth. And Zerahemnah withdrew from before them into the midst of his soldiers.

The Comments:

It doesn’t come as a shock that Zarahemnah is not pleased with Moroni’s response. Zarahemnah takes is weapons back and immediately attacks Moroni.

My question is, why? Why attack Moroni? Did Zarahemnah believe that if he struck down the leader of the Nephites that they would fall apart? Or, at the very least, the Nephites would let the Lamanites go without an oath?

This verse does say that Zarahemnah is angry with Moroni. Emotions are NOT always the best voice to listen to.

Once Zarahemnah attacks Moroni, one of Moroni’s soldiers saves him, breaks Zarahemnah’s sword and then scalps him.

First off, who is this guy??? He isn’t identified by his name, just “a solider.”  Good for him for not only protecting Moroni, but also for NOT killing Zarahemnah. I’m sure the guy could have, but he didn’t. Probably because Moroni wouldn’t want it. Kill the Lamanite leader and they’re just going to rally.

So kudos to this guy.

Really, though, this solider had to have been someone up in the ranks, or at least a friend of Moroni’s. I’d love to meet this guy.

When to Make the Stand

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 11

Now I cannot recall the words which I have spoken, therefore as the Lord liveth, ye shall not depart except ye depart with an oath that ye will not return again against us to war. Now as ye are in our hands we will spill your blood upon the ground, or ye shall submit to the conditions which I have proposed.

The Comments:

Moroni states that he cannot recall the words that he has spoken. He doesn’t back down from the offer he made back in verse 6.

In some ways, this doesn’t feel very compassionate. But, that might be okay.

After all, the Lamanites came threatening the Nephites homes, liberties, wives, children and religion. Perhaps this is a guide for us to know when we should cut off or come down hard on something in our lives that is threatening the items on the list above.

It can be a struggle to understand when exactly it is time to cut a bad influence out of your life. Only the Spirit can truly tell us when kindness and tolerance have reached their limits, and that it is time to take more drastic and permanent action against whatever is leading us astray.

"No! I won't do it!"

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 10

 And now when Zerahemnah had made an end of speaking these words, Moroni returned the sword and the weapons of war, which he had received, unto Zerahemnah, saying: Behold, we will end the conflict.

The Comments:

Moroni refuses Zarahemnah’s terms and returns his weapons to him.

I think in our lives, at some point, we have to “end the conflict” with whatever sin or vice or person that we are struggling with. Be willing to face it head on and, with the Lord’s help, overcome it. Destroy it, so to speak.

Where Good Ideas Come From

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 9

Behold, we are not of your faith; we do not believe that it is God that has delivered us into your hands; but we believe that it is your cunning that has preserved you from our swords. Behold, it is your breastplates and your shields that have preserved you.

The Comments:

Zarahemnah argues that the Lord didn’t deliver the Nephites, but their cunning and their armor did.

Relating this to us—this is a whisper of doubt. Those moments when you almost believe that you came up with a thought/idea by yourself when we know that the Lord had a hand in it.

Well, we should know the Lord has a hand in every aspect of our lives.

Zarahemnah Takes a Stand

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 8

And now it came to pass that when Zerahemnah had heard these sayings he came forth and delivered up his sword and his cimeter, and his bow into the hands of Moroni, and said unto him: Behold, here are our weapons of war; we will deliver them up unto you, but we will not suffer ourselves to take an oath unto you, which we know that we shall break, and also our children; but take our weapons of war, and suffer that we may depart into the wilderness; otherwise we will retain our swords, and we will perish or conquer.

The Comments:

Zarahemnah takes a stand.

They guy knows that he and his armies are beaten, but he is still willing to fight. He says that they (the Lamanites) will give their weapons of war to Moroni, but that they will NOT take an oath that they know they will break.  An oath…it’s obviously a very powerful thing, and not to be taken lightly.

In our world today, most (if not all) aggressors would simply lie about the oath and attack the Nephites later.  That thought may not have crossed the Lamanites minds, because in their society an oath meant that you did exactly what you said you would.

Zarahemnah then gives his solution—take our weapons (but no oath) and let us go, or they will stay and fight—perish or conquer.

I wonder what Zarahemnah thought Moroni would do.

Thing Before You Act

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 7

And now, if ye do not this, behold, ye are in our hands, and I will command my men that they shall fall upon you, and inflict the wounds of death in your bodies, that ye may become extinct; and then we will see who shall have power over this people; yea, we will see who shall be brought into bondage.

The Comments:

A promise that if the Lamaintes do not take this deal, that the Nephites will kill them. (Extinct is a really strong word.)

Interesting that Moroni brings up bondage after he informs the Lamanites that they will be destroyed if they don’t take the deal.

Could  Moroni be talking spiritual bondage?

Moroni's Offer

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 6

Yea, and this is not all; I command you by all the desires which ye have for life, that ye deliver up your weapons of war unto us, and we will seek not your blood, but we will spare your lives, if ye will go your way and come not again to war against us.

The Comments:

Moroni’s offer-

He calls upon the Lamanites very will to live in this verse.

This is a pretty sweet deal. Surrender, give up you weapons of war, don’t come against us again and not only will we not kill you, but we will let you go.

Wait, I wonder…when Moroni asks the Lamanites to deliver up their weapons of war, was he talking just “hand them over” or was he talking in a people of Ammon way—give up war forever?

Moroni does say, “come not again to war against us.” Did he mean EVER? See verse 8 for what could be clarity on this.

What would everyone do with all of the spare time?

Bearing Testimony on the Battlefield

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 5

And now, Zerahemnah, I command you, in the name of that all-powerful God, who has strengthened our arms that we have gained power over you, by our faith, by our religion, and by our rites of worship, and by our church, and by the sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children, by that liberty which binds us to our lands and our country; yea, and also by the maintenance of the sacred word of God, to which we owe all our happiness; and by all that is most dear unto us—

The Comments:

I’m not sure I can dissect that.

First off, Moroni commands Zarahmenah in the name of God…can he do that? And what does it mean?

At what point can/should we command our enemies in the name of God?  I’m not entirely clear on that—haven’t really thought about it before. Perhaps it’s a “when the Spirit strikes you” sort of thing. Or a Priesthood thing. Huh.

The rest of this is an awesome decree about why the Nephites are fighting. Relly, I don’t feel that I have much to add, so I will simply point out a few things that I liked.

God strengthened their arms—the part of them that must have gotten the most tired during a battle. We should pay attention to how the Lord strengthens us. I’m sure that it is similar.

The sacred support which we owe to our wives and our children. I find the wording on this one quite interesting. Sacred support—sounds intense and feels like it runs deep. Covenants perhaps? Or the fact that our families are potentially eternal.

Liberty which binds us to our lands.  Is this a step beyond patriotism?  Something to think about.

Owe all happiness to the word of God. Not just God, but to the word of God. Our happiness comes through obedience and faith.

Pretty cool that Moroni stands on the battlefield and bears his testimony to his enemies. Could we do that if we were called upon? Not sure I could. Go Moroni!

The Big Why

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 2

Behold, we have not come out to battle against you that we might shed your blood for power; neither do we desire to bring any one to the yoke of bondage. But this is the very cause for which ye have come against us; yea, and ye are angry with us because of our religion.

The Comments:

Moroni tells Zarahemnah about the cause of the Nephites. He points out the differences between the motivations of each side.  He ends with the comment that the Lamanites are angry with the Nephites because of their religion.

If you look back, you’ll recall that this whole war started because the Lamanites want the people of Ammon back. The people of Ammon converted and came to join the Nephites because they couldn’t live in the lands of the Lamanites—the Lamanites were too wicked and they wanted to kill the people of Ammon.

So all of this goes back to religion, and more specifically, the choices that a group of people made because they learned about Christ and His teachings.

Destruction Sounds Bad

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 4

Now ye see that this is the true faith of God; yea, ye see that God will support, and keep, and preserve us, so long as we are faithful unto him, and unto our faith, and our religion; and never will the Lord suffer that we shall be destroyed except we should fall into transgression and deny our faith.

The Comments:

Moroni goes on to utter words that can guide us through our trials.

“The true faith of God”

God will look out for us if we are righteous. That’s the condensed version.

So is this a promise? A covenant?

God=Support, keep and preserve us

Us=Be faithful unto God and our religion

Interesting that the next bit says that they Lord won’t allow us to be destroyed unless we fall into transgression and deny our faith. He doesn't say hurt or stressed out or sick or sad. He says destroyed.

Which, in my opinion, can mean in war (physical) and our daily spiritual battles with Satan and temptation.

My Patriarcle Blessing states that Satan cannot destroy me without my consent. I guess this means that the above promise applies to me too. Which means it probably applies to you as well.

Every Member a Missionary

The Content

Alma 44

Verse 3

But now, ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye behold that he has delivered you into our hands. And now I would that ye should understand that this is done unto us because of our religion and our faith in Christ. And now ye see that ye cannot destroy this our faith.

The Comments:

Two thoughts came into my mind right away as I read this verse:

1-Did Moroni just bear his testimony to the Lamanites…in the middle of a battlefield?

2-Did Moroni try to use this as a missionary moment? Remember…battlefield.

Let’s go through this:

Moroni testifies that the Lord was with them (the Nephites) and delivered the Lamanites into their hands.  That’s credit given where credit’s due.  Not only a declaration against the Lamanites, but a witness for the Nephites that were there.

Moroni says that  this was done because of their religion and their faith in Christ.

See, witness. It’s very clear!

“…and now you see that ye cannot destroy our faith.”

I wonder if this was a testimony solidifying moment for many of the Nephites that fought in this battle. Did they know these things for themselves before? Did this boost their faith into knowledge?

In addition to this eventually being a decisive victory for the Nephites (spoilers, sorry), I feel like the Lord used it to stir, bolster and solidify faith into testimony.  A lot of war comes after this, the Nephites maybe needed to be prepared.