Zarahemla’s Age of War
- Alma 43:3–4
- The Zoramites, hostile towards the Nephites who accepted their converts, merge with the Lamanites and prepare for a military strike.
- Alma 43:5–8
- The militants centralize in the Zoramite land of Antionum, and are led by a man named Zerahemnah.
- Alma 43:9–10
- The Nephites hoped for nothing more than to fight for their rights and freedoms.
- Alma 43:11–14
- The political tensions were based on the conversion of the Ammonites and Zoramites, and the fact that the Nephites harbored them despite Lamanite wishes.
- Alma 43:15
- The Lamanite army, centralized in Antionum, finishes preparations for their strike and advance to the evacuated Ammonite land of Jershon.
- Alma 43:16–17
- A young military leader named Moroni takes control of the Nephite military resistance.
- Alma 43:18–19,21
- The two armies meet near Jershon, but the Lamanites, seeing the armor and defense technology of the Nephites, become very fearful.
- Alma 43:20–21
- The Lamanites wore only loin cloths, except for those of the Lamanites army who were Nephite dissenters (Zoramites and Amalekites) who had more protective clothes.
- Alma 43:22
- Seeing they are no match for the Nephites, the Lamanites retreat, and begin a march around the south end of the land of Zarahemla to Manti.
- Alma 43:23–24
- As they begin their retreat, Moroni not only dispatches spies to track their course, but also consults the prophet Alma, who warns them to fortify the land of Manti.
- Alma 43:25–26
- Moroni leaves some troops in Jershon, and takes the rest of his army down to Manti, recruiting local soldiers on the way.
- Alma 43:27–28
- Moroni establishes his military presence on the west bank of the river Sidon in the land of Manti, and strategically places spies to watch for the Lamanites.
- Alma 43:29–30
- Moroni knows that his military actions are justified by the causes he is fighting for and against.
- Alma 43:31–33
- Moroni divides the army, takes one part to eastern sector near the hill Riplah, and sends the other part to the western side of the valley.
- Alma 43:34–36
- The Lamanites draw near, pass the troops led by Moroni, who were hiding near hill Riplah, and meet the other part of the Nephite army, led by a general named Lehi.
- Alma 43:37–38
- A bloody strike ensues, in which the well–armored Nephites, led by Lehi fall at a much lower rate than the Lamanites.
- Alma 43:39–40
- The Lamanites, noticing that they are no match for the Nephites, retreat back the way they came from.
- Alma 43:41–43
- The troops led by Moroni ambush the Lamanites on their way out, and an even more violent battle erupts.
- Alma 43:44–47
- The Lamanites are inspired to fight ferociously by the Zoramite and Amalekite dissenters, while the Nephites are driven by the need to preserve their God–given liberties.
- Alma 43:48–50
- As the Nephites become anxious over the extreme ferocity of the Lamanites, Moroni rallies them with a call to remember their freedoms—the Nephites then gain an edge over the Lamanites.
- Alma 43:51–54
- Desipte the Lamanites outnumbering the Nephites, the Lamanites are driven back in one group, and to their horror, find themselves cornered between Lehi’s troops and Moroni’s troops in the Sidon valley.
- Alma 44:1–7
- Moroni tells Zerahemnah that the Lord is on the Nephites’ side and orders the Lamanites to turn in their weapons and pledge never to come to battle again.
- Alma 44:8–9
- Zerahemnah lays his weapons at the feet of Moroni, but refuses to make a promise of peace or to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in the Nephites’ victory.
- Alma 44:10–11
- Moroni gives the weapons back to Zerahemnah, insisting that he either promise not to attack anymore, or fight to the death.
- Alma 44:12
- Zerahemnah, furious, takes his sword back, and rushes forward to kill Moroni, but one of Moroni’s soldiers steps in, and scalps Zerahemnah.
- Alma 44:13–14
- The soldier picks up Zerahemnah’s scalp with his sword, and declares that the Lamanites will likewise fall if they don’t surrender and promise to be peaceful.
- Alma 44:15
- Many Lamanites, struck with fear, drop their weapons at Moroni’s feet, promising peace.
- Alma 44:16–18
- Zerahemnah, furious, rallies the remaining Lamanites, and they engage in battle once again with the Nephites, but are swiftly wiped out due to their lack of armor.
- Alma 44:19–20
- Seeing that his army is being exterminated at a rapid pace, Zerahemnah surrenders, and promises never to come to war again, and the Lamanites depart into the wilderness.
- Alma 44:21–24
- The casualty count is so large that they do not count the dead, and the Nephites return home.
- Alma 45:1
- The Nephites rejoice and thank God for their victory.
- Alma 45:2–9
- Alma speaks to his son Helaman, asks him if he believes in Jesus Christ, and asks whether he is committed to keeping Alma’s commandments to record Alma’s prophecies.
- Alma 45:10–14
- Alma prophesies to Helaman that the Nephites will experience wars, pestilence, and eventual extermination.
- Alma 45:15–16
- Alma blesses his sons, and blesses the earth for the righteous’ sake.
- Alma 50:37–38
- Alma offers the custodial responsibility of the Nephite records to Nephihah, the chief judge, but Nephihah declines, so Alma gives the records to his son Helaman.
- Alma 45:17–18
- Alma blesses the church, and leaves the land of Zarahemla—he is never seen again.
- Alma 45:19
- Alma is possibly translated, or buried by the hand of God, like Moses was.
- Alma 45:20–21
- Helaman, sensing the Nephites’ need to have the word of God, takes initiative to declare the word.
- Alma 45:22–24
- Helaman and his brothers establish church branches, but the people grow proud, and feel no need to submit themselves to the will of God.
- Alma 46:1–3
- A man named Amalickiah rounds up all those disaffected with church; they determine to kill church members.
- Alma 46:4–6
- Amalickiah campaigns to be king of this group of people, and he gets support because people holding lower level public offices (hoping for political promotions) were among his followers.
- Alma 46:7
- Things look more ominous for the Nephites as many faithful church members lose faith and join with Amalickiah and his followers.
- Alma 46:8–10
- This dissension was all in spite of the fact that the Nephites had just witnessed the power of God helping them in their victory over Zerahemnah and his militants.
- Alma 46:11–12
- In reaction to the large scale apostasy led by Amalickiah, Moroni rips off part of his coat, and on it inscribes the words: “In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children,” then attaches it to a pole.
- Alma 46:13–15
- Moroni straps on his armor, grabs his flag and pole, (which he names the Title of Liberty,) then implores God to bless the remaining Christians.
- Alma 46:16–18
- Moroni prays for the land of Nephites, calling it a chosen land—a land of liberty.
- Alma 46:19–20
- Upon finishing his prayer, Moroni rallies his people, urging them to covenant to support these ideals.
- Alma 46:21
- The people excitedly support Moroni, and tear their clothes as a symbolic token of their covenant.
- Alma 46:22
- The people declare that should they ever deviate from their covenant, they will be destroyed.
- Alma 46:23–27
- Moroni reminds them of Joseph, who’s coat of many color was torn, and Joseph’s father Jacob’s word regarding a righteous lineage through Joseph.
- Alma 46:28–29
- Amalickiah, seeing the support that Moroni was getting, and worried that his own followers were doubting his cause, takes those who would follow him to the land of Nephi, where he plans on joining the Lamanites.
- Alma 46:30–32
- Moroni, not wanting the Lamanites to obtain any more power, leads his troops in an attempt to ambush the Amalickiahites.
- Alma 46:33–34
- Moroni’s forces meet Amalickiah’s—Amalickiah manages to escape with a few followers, but the remainder are taken back to Zarahemla.
- Alma 46:35
- Amalickiahites who refuse to support Moroni and his cause of freedom are sentenced to death.
- Alma 46:36–37
- Continuing his campaign for freedom, Moroni has the Title of Liberty hoisted upon every tower in Nephite territory, and the Nephites then enjoy some peace.
- Alma 46:38-39
- Four years of peace are enjoyed as Helaman and the clergy maintain order in the church, continually teaching of Jesus Christ.
- Alma 46:40-41
- During this time of peace, although some people die of sickness, healthcare is generally successful because of the abundance of herbal remedies.
- Alma 48:7–10
- Meanwhile, Moroni, aware that Amalickiah might have joined forces with the Lamanites, fortifies the Nephite lands with forts, walls, and banks of dirt, all in hopes of defending the cause of Christians.
- Alma 48:11–13
- Moroni, motivated by his devotion and faith in Christ, strives to defend his God–given rights of safety, welfare, and liberty.
- Alma 48:14–16
- Nephite war policy is to engage in defensive or preemptive war only—this ensures continued blessings and directions from God.
- Alma 48:17–18
- Moroni’s character is like that of Alma, Alma’s sons, and Mosiah’s sons: if every person were like Moroni, the devil would be powerless.
- Alma 48:19–20
- While Moroni makes continued defensive preparations, Helaman and his brothers strengthen the people spiritually in the church.
- Alma 48:21–23
- The Nephites reluctantly make preparations for what would become a long a terrible war.
- Alma 48:24–25
- Despite their apprehensions, the Nephites could not justify letting their families and loved ones fall victims to the barbarity of the Lamanites.
- Alma 49:1–4
- Lamanite troops approach the city of Ammonihah, and are sorely disappointed to find that Ammonihah had been completely rebuilt and strongly fortified with an enormous ridge of dirt encircling the city’s perimeter.
- Alma 49:5–9
- The Lamanites are astounded by the defensive preparations; they had thought that Ammonihah would have been destroyed just as easily as it had been before.
- Alma 49:10–13
- Had Amalickiah been there personally, he doubtless would have ordered an attack anyway, but his commanding officers who were in charge decide to leave the city alone and travel further into Nephite territory toward the city of Noah.
- Alma 49:14–15
- The Lamanites are again surprised to find the city of Noah, which had previously been a weak spot, is now even more heavily fortified than Ammonihah.
- Alma 49:16–18
- The general leading the forces at Noah was Lehi—whom the Lamanites remembered and feared from the Zerahemnah strike at Sidon.
- Alma 49:19–20
- The city of Noah had been fortified with circumscribing banks of dirt and ditches such that the only possible way to enter the city is through the main entrance—Lehi’s forces, heavily guarded, are ready with assorted projectiles to launch at any invaders.
- Alma 49:21
- The Lamanites make multiple charges at the city’s entrance, but are soundly defeated at each attempt.
- Alma 49:22
- Seeing that the main entrance is impenetrable, the Lamanites try tear down the large dirt ridges surrounding the city, but are again stopped in the process, and the ditches surrounding the city are filled with the dead bodies of the fallen soldiers.
- Alma 49:23–24
- Eventually, all of the Lamanite commanding officers are killed, and thousands of Lamanite soldiers die; on the other side, the Nephites suffer only about fifty injuries, and no casualties.
- Alma 49:25–27
- The surviving Lamanites retreat back to the land of Nephi, and report their miserable defeat to Amalickiah, who becomes furious, vowing and not only to kill Moroni, but also to drink his blood.
- Alma 49:28–30
- Meanwhile, the Nephites thank God and enjoy some peace and Alma’s sons, and the sons of Mosiah continue their ministries in the church.
- Alma 50:1–3
- Moroni continues fortification operations by building more ridges and ditches around the cities, only this time he improves the design by adding a tall wooden structure topped with pickets on the dirt ridges.
- Alma 50:4–6
- Moroni then places towers at strategic points throughout the fortification to serve as a first line of defense for the cities.
- Alma 50:7–8
- Moroni then leads his armies to the east wilderness, where they drive out all the Lamanites and send them back the land of Nephi.
- Alma 50:9–10
- Moroni orders Nephites to settle the eastern territory and to fortify the southern region.
- Alma 50:11–12
- Moroni thus gains stable control of the entire land north of their southern border, near the head of the Sidon river; he continues to add strength to his military forces.
- Alma 50:13–16
- Moroni develops the eastern front of the Nephite territory by establishing the cities of Moroni, Nephihah, and others.
- Alma 50:17–20
- The Lord keeps his promise and blesses the Nephites, who enjoy peace and and prosperity.
- Alma 50:21–22
- Falling into sin has been the cause of the Nephites’ problems, but those who stayed in compliance with God’s commandments are spared.
- Alma 50:23–24
- The Nephites enjoy a time of great happiness under the direction of Nephi.
- Alma 50:25
- The following year, a conflict arises in the eastern territory.
- Alma 50:26–27
- Two neighboring lands, Lehi and Morianton, get in a border dispute—the people of Morianton begin using force, and the people of Lehi retreat to Moroni’s camp to appeal for defensive support.
- Alma 50:28–29
- Fearful of facing Moroni’s troops, Morianton (founder of the land of Morianton decides to leave his land overtake the land northward.
- Alma 50:30
- As Morianton prepares for this siege, he gets angry with one of his maids, and violently beats her.
- Alma 50:31
- Morianton ’s maid escapes out of the land of Morianton, finds Moroni’s camp, and tells Moroni all about Morianton’s intentions to relocate to the land northward.
- Alma 50:32–33
- Fearing the consequences of Morianton’s planned actions, Moroni dispatches troops to intercept Morianton’s army.
- Alma 50:34–35
- A man named Teancum leads Moroni’s troops and intercepts Morianton’s army at the pass that leads to the land northward where a horrific battles ensues, in which Teancum kills Morianton, and survivors of Morianton’s army are taken as prisoners of war.
- Alma 50:35–36
- The prisoners from Morianton are brought back to their land, and they make peace with the people of the land of Lehi.
- Alma 50:37
- Nephihah, the chief judge in Zarahemla, dies.
- Alma 50:39–40
- Nephihah’s son, named Pahoran, assumes the position of chief judge.
- Alma 51:1–4
- Nephite lobbyists try to get Pahoran to alter certain parts of the law, but when Pahoran refuses to comply, some people become dissatisfied with Pahoran as their chief judge.
- Alma 51:5–6
- Two political parties emerge: the king–men, who want to overthrow the judicial system and establish a king, and the Freemen, who want to maintain the liberties enjoyed under the status–quo.
- Alma 51:7–8
- A public referendum determines that the people generally support the judicial system in place; the king–men are overruled.
- Alma 51:9–10
- Back in the land of Nephi, Amalickiah has been rallying the Lamanites in preparation for war against the Nephites.
- Alma 51:11–12
- Amalickiah, leading his army, begins their marching towards Zarahemla.
- Alma 51:13
- Back in Zarahemla, the king–men, still bitter about their defeat in the recent referendum, are glad to hear about the approaching Lamanites, and refuse to participate in any defense measures.
- Alma 51:14–16
- Upon hearing of the stubbornness of the king–men, Moroni gets permission to execute all dissenters.
- Alma 51:17–18
- Moroni’s army approaches the king–men, and orders them to reconsider, under penalty of death.
- Alma 51:19–21
- A battle breaks out, and 4,000 king–men are killed; the remainder change their allegiance and become loyal to the Title of Liberty.
- Alma 51:22–23
- Amalickiah and his army army advance into Nephite territory, and invade the land of Moroni.
- Alma 51:24–25
- The inhabitants of the land of Moroni escape to the city of Nephihah.
- Alma 51:26–27
- Amalickiah’s army advances and occupies the eastern coastal lands: Lehi, Morianton, Omner, Gid, Mulek, and even Nephihah.
- Alma 51:28–31
- Amalickiah’s army continues to advance northward toward Bountiful, but are ambushed by Teancum and his troops on the way.
- Alma 51:32
- A terrible battle ensues until dark, at which point Teancum’s men camp near Bountiful, and Amalickiah’s men camp on the beach.
- Alma 51:33–37
- That night, Teancum, accompanied by his servant, sneaks into Amalickiah’s camp, finds Amalickiah’s tent, kills Amalickiah with a javelin, and escapes undetected.
- Alma 52:1–2
- The next morning, the Lamanites find Amalickiah dead in his tent, and knowing that Teancum is coming with his army to resume the battle, the Lamanites retreat to the city Mulek.
- Alma 52:3–4
- Amalickiah had a brother named Ammoron, who, following Amalickiah’s death, takes charge of the army, and orders that all territories that had been invaded should remain occupied.
- Alma 52:5–7
- Seeing the determination and strength of the Lamanite armies, Teancum chooses not to try to invade the occupied territory; rather, he maintains the borders and continues to prepare his army as he waits for reinforcements from Moroni.
- Alma 52:8–9
- Moroni sends orders that all prisoners of war to be kept, and gives the command to fortify the land of Bountiful and the narrow pass leading to the land northward.
- Alma 52:10–11
- Moroni instructs Teancum to use every opportunity he can to regain the cities that have been invaded.
- Alma 52:12
- Ammoron goes back to the land of Nephi and tells the queen about Amalickiah’s death.
- Alma 52:13–14
- Next, he then gathers up a large number of soldiers and begins a march towards the southwestern region of Nephite territory.
- Alma 61:3
- Meanwhile, back in central Zarahemla, king–men insurgents begin rebelling against Pahoran and the freemen.
- Alma 61:4–5
- Pahoran is unable to curb the coup, and is forced to escape to the land of Gideon with his supporters.
- Alma 61:6–8
- Pahoran sends a distress message throughout the land as the insurgents take control of Zarahemla and form an alliance with the Lamanites.
- Alma 61:9–11
- Pahoran receives a letter from Moroni in which Moroni (unaware of the political revolt in Zarahemla) reproves Pahoran harshly for not supporting the troops at war.
- Alma 61:16–18
- Pahoran sends provisions to the troops in the field; he intends to send more once Zarahemla is regained.
- Alma 61:15
- Pahoran sends a response to Moroni explaining himself and requesting help.
- Alma 62:7–10
- Moroni and his troops storm Zarahemla, overthrow Pachus, the leader of the insurgents; the remainder are given fair trial, and those who refuse to change their allegiance are executed.
- Alma 62:11–13
- Pahoran resumes his tenure as chief judge without opposition, and Moroni sends additional troops and provisions to Helaman.
- Alma 62:42–43
- Having conquered the Lamanites and fortified the regained territory, Moroni and Helaman return to Zarahemla; Moroni appoints his son Moronihah as the military commander.
- Alma 62:44–47
- Pahoran continues his duties as chief judge, and Helaman resumes his calling as the head of the church, preaching repentance.
- Alma 62:48–51
- The Nephites humbly prosper and enjoy the goodness and bounties of God’s blessings.
- Alma 62:52
- Helaman dies.
- Alma 63:1–2
- Helaman’s righteous brother Shiblon becomes custodian of the Nephite records.
- Alma 63:3
- Moroni dies.
- Alma 63:4
- A large group of Nephite pilgrims leave Zarahemla and travel to the land northward.
- Alma 63:5–6
- A Nephite named Hagoth builds a large boat and launches it into the west sea with many others.
- Alma 63:7–9, 10
- Hagoth returns, gathers provisions, and takes more people (including Corianton) with him on another marine expedition—they are never seen again.
- Alma 63:11,10
- Shiblon transfers the Nephite records to his nephew Helaman, then dies.
- Alma 63:12–13
- Helaman makes an effort to publish appropriate parts of the Nephite records to the people.
- Alma 63:14–17
- Some disaffected Nephites join the Lamanites; the Lamanites then initiate an attack on the Nephites, but the army of Moronihah successfully defeats them.
- Helaman 1:1–4
- Pahoran dies, and his three sons (Pahoran, Paanchi, and Pacumeni) become candidates for his replacement; the people are divided in opinion as to who should be the successor.
- Helaman 1:5–6
- The people vote, and Pahoran is selected as the chief judge; Pacumeni supports the people’s decision.
- Helaman 1:7
- Paanchi is unhappy with the results, and begins gaining support for a rebellion.
- Helaman 1:8
- Before Paanchi’s rebellion is able to go forth, he is stopped and sentenced to death as a traitor.
- Helaman 1:9–10
- Paanchi’s supporters hire employ a man named Kishkumen, who breaks into the judicial office, murders Pahoran, then escapes without being caught.
- Helaman 1:11–12
- Kishkumen reports back to his employers, and they all take vows of secrecy; they then intermingle with the unsuspecting Nephite population.
- Helaman 1:13
- With Pahoran murdered and Paanchi sentenced to death, the last remaining brother, Pacumeni, assumes the judgment seat.
- Helaman 1:16–17, 15
- The new Lamanite King, Tubaloth (Ammoron’s son), appoints a man named Coriantumr to lead the Lamanite military.
- Helaman 1:14–15
- Coriantumr gathers and equips an enormous army, and marches towards Zarahemla.
- Helaman 1:18
- Because of the recent political troubles among the Nephites, Zarahemla is poorly guarded.
- Helaman 1:19–21
- Coriantumr’s army storms Zarahemla with surprising speed, killing anyone in their way; Pacumeni tries to escape, but Coriantumr kills him first.
- Helaman 1:22–24
- Once Coriantumr realizes he is in total control of Zarahemla, he decides to expand his siege by invading the city of Bountiful.
- Helaman 1:25–27
- Moronihah hadn’t fortified Zarahemla very much, thinking that the Lamanites wouldn’t dare invade the capital city.
- Helaman 1:28–29
- Moronihah sends troops to ambush Coriantumr as he approaches Bountiful; Coriantumr begins to retreat back to Zarahemla, but Moronihah is waiting with more troops.
- Helaman 1:30
- An awful battle breaks out, in which Coriantumr dies.
- Helaman 1:31–34
- The surviving Lamanites, finding themselves surrounded by Nephites, surrender, and they are sent back to the land of Nephi. Zarahemla is regained by the Nephites.