Alma 43-44

THE WAR CHAPTERS

Alma 43 marks the beginning of what is known as the “War Chapters” of the Book of Mormon. Through the rest of Alma we will read about a long and destructive war between the Nephites and the Lamanites. 

These chapters tell history more than they teach doctrine, and sometimes people have a hard time seeing their spiritual value. However, I think every chapter contains symbolic lessons we can apply toward our personal “wars” in life. As the New Testament says, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6:12) 

So for the war chapters, I will summarize the events in the chapter, and then will highlight some of the spiritual applications that I can see.

Ok, here goes!

Alma 43

Summary of Events:

The Lamanites launch an attack on the Nephites! Led by a man named Zarahemnah, their motive is hatred toward the Nephites and a desire for power. The Nephite armies, on the other hand, are led by one of the greatest heroes in the Book of Mormon—Captain Moroni. He is only 25 years old, but he is a big guy, a smart guy, and a good guy. So good, actually, that in Alma 48 it says, “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.”

The Lamanite army outnumbers the Nephite army by more than 2 to 1, but Moroni has prepared his men with armor, whereas the Lamanites are basically in leather loin clothes. Strengthened by their armor, their God, and their righteous desires for liberty, the Nephites are able to surround and overwhelm the Lamanites, and Moroni orders his men to hold their fighting… (the suspense! Keep reading chapter 44...)

Spiritual Insights:

• The first place the Lamanites attacked was “upon the weaker part of the people (v 24).” But Moroni had sent messengers to the prophet asking for tips, so he was warned ahead of time and was prepared with his armies when the Lamanites came. Satan works in the same way—he will strike our weaknesses first. If we can be aware of our weaknesses—and especially turn to the prophets, scriptures, and people we trust for advice and warning—we can be prepared against spiritual attacks and temptations when they come.
• Protect yourself with spiritual armor! You may be outnumbered by bad influences, but if you have on the armor of God, you can handle it.

Ephesians 6: 11-17

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day... 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Alma 44

Summary of Events:

The Nephites have surrounded the Lamanites, and Moroni tells Zarahemnah they will let the Lamanites leave in peace if they will give up their weapons and covenant to never attack the Nephites again. Zarahemnah willingly gives up his sword but refuses to make a promise he knows he won’t keep. Moroni is angry and returns Zarahemnah’s sword saying, “We will end the conflict (vs 10).” 

Zarahemnah is ticked, and rushes forward with his sword to try to kill Moroni, which is pretty stupid
if you ask me because Moroni is surrounded by his men, all of whom are decked-out in armor. One of Moroni’s soldiers strikes Zarahemnah’s sword to the ground and swipes off the top of his scalp. Eeweew! Zarahemnah retreats back to his army, and the soldier lifts up the scalp piece on top of his sword and displays it for the Lamanite army, threatening they will all fall to the ground like the piece of scalp unless they surrender and covenant never to attack again. 

Many of the Lamanites come forward to surrender and covenant, and they are allowed to leave in peace, but many Lamanites remain stubbornly with Zarahemnah. And so the battle resumes, and the Nephites dominate as predicted. Eventually Zarahemnah and the rest of the men surrender and make the promise to leave the Nephites alone. So everyone goes home…. For now.

Spiritual Insights:

• Always give credit to God for your victories, like Moroni did. God will always be on your side as long as you are on His.
• 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. 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.(vs. 3-4)

• Even though Zarahemnah is greedy, stubborn, and hateful, the man at least has honor. I’m impressed that he refused to make a promise he knew he wouldn’t keep, even though it would have saved his life. Ok, so he gives in when it gets really bad later on, but still I think there is a lesson of honor and integrity here.
• Never attack a really good guy who has God on his side, plus a whole lot of armored soldiers.