Zeniff begins by saying that he was “over-zealous.” There are a couple of ways in which we can read that statement. One is that he is writing his record from a later vantage point, and is commenting on the relationship with the Lamanites that appears to be in the Lamanites’ favor. The second way to read his over-zealousness is that he was in a hurry to return, and therefore perhaps prepared less than he should have. This second reading would appear to fit better with the next phrase that discusses the hardships of the journey.
Geography: Once again we see the terrain dividing the land of Nephi from Zarahemla as a treacherous place. Zeniff’s people will wander through it, as will Limhi’s excursion to find Zarahemla later, and Ammon’s party attemting to find the people of Zeniff. In this case, Zeniff’s people suffer famine and sore afflictions as they travel through this land.