Abinadom wrote that he witnessed "much war and contention between my people, the Nephites, and the Lamanites; and I, with my own sword, have taken the lives of many of the Lamanites in the defense of my brethren." Apparently, Abinadom observed little of spiritual value, and though he made an effort to write, he deferred to the "plates which is had by the kings" for the more predominant history. Abinadom clearly had the instructions for writing in mind, because he added, "I know of no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy; wherefore, that which is sufficient is written."