As the inhabitants of the land increased (multitudes), the Lord in his wrath, allowed Nephi’s brother’s seed to be scattered before the Gentiles (v. 14). Because of their unbelief they had become a “loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations” (1 Nephi 12:23). The Gentile immigrants had the Spirit and power of God with them, and prospered both physically and spiritually (vv. 12:15–16).
Nephi next observed that God was involved in the American Revolutionary War. His power was with the Gentiles whom he had led to the choice land, and they were delivered by him from the mother nation Great Britain. His wrath was poured out on those fighting on the opposing side (vv. 17–18). This suggests that as with the Lamanites, the Spirit withdrew from them, and they “depended upon their own strength” rather than the Lord’s (Mosiah 10:11). Their being “delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations” (v. 19) seems a general statement about the Civil War and other future wars:
3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations. [D&C 87:3]
It is also an example of the law of war, revealed to the Lord’s ancients, and to the Prophet Joseph in August 1833.
33 And again, this is the law that I gave unto mine ancients, that they should not go out unto battle against any nation, kindred, tongue, or people, save I, the Lord, commanded them.
34 And if any nation, tongue, or people should proclaim war against them, they should first lift a standard of peace unto that people, nation, or tongue;
35 And if that people did not accept the offering of peace, neither the second nor the third time, they should bring these testimonies before the Lord;
36 Then I, the Lord, would give unto them a commandment, and justify them in going out to battle against that nation, tongue, or people.
37 And I, the Lord, would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children’s, until they had avenged themselves on all their enemies, to the third and fourth generation.
38 Behold, this is an ensample unto all people, saith the Lord your God, for justification before me. [D&C 98:33–38]