Lamoni was a Lamanite king who ruled over the land of Ishmael and became a significant figure due to his remarkable conversion to the gospel as taught by Ammon, one of the sons of Mosiah. Initially, he was skeptical of Nephite teachings but was sufficiently intrigued by Ammon’s dedication and service that he extended the offer of his daughter’s hand in marriage to Ammon. Ammon, however, chose instead to serve Lamoni as a shepherd over his flocks, a position fraught with danger as previous servants had been executed for losing animals to marauding thieves.
During his service, Ammon powerfully defended the king’s flocks, demonstrating such strength and capability that Lamoni believed him to be the Great Spirit. This incident provided the opening for Ammon to teach Lamoni about God, the creation of the world, and the plan of redemption (Alma 18:24-40). His teachings pierced Lamoni’s heart, leading to his faith in God and subsequent spiritual manifestation—falling to the ground under the power of God, much like a state of death, for two days and two nights (Alma 18:42-43; 19:6).
When Lamoni arose, he bore testimony of the Redeemer and was again overcome by joy, along with his wife and others who witnessed these events (Alma 19:13). These experiences sparked a great spiritual awakening among Lamoni’s people, paving the way for the establishment of the Church among them. His conversion led to the conversion of his father and his household, and thus, was the catalyst for significant missionary work among the Lamanites, resulting in thousands coming to the knowledge of the truth.
Moreover, Lamoni demonstrated a deep commitment to his new faith, resisting pressures from his father, the supreme king over all the Lamanite territories, to forsake Ammon and the Nephite cause (Alma 20:8-26). He later stood with other converted Lamanites in a covenant of peace, vowing never to take up arms again, even in self-defense (Alma 24:6-17). Lamoni’s transformation from a secular leader to one profoundly shaped by spiritual principles made him an agent of significant change among his people, contributing to a period of peace and spiritual prosperity.