2. The importance of righteous military leaders. The Nephite military leaders were not bloodthirsty. They hated war and hated the thought of shedding the blood of their brethren. They utilized clever strategy regularly, not only to win the war more rapidly but also to save lives on both sides (see Alma 43:29-30). Later in the story Mormon points out that “it was the custom among all the Nephites to appoint for their chief captains, (save it were in their times of wickedness) some one that had the spirit of revelation and also prophecy” (3 Nephi 3:19).
And what more beautiful tribute could be paid to Captain Moroni than the following by Mormon: “Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery; yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he has sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.”
To sum up: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:11-13, 17.)