As covenant people themselves (v. 31), Ammon and his associates mourned over the afflictions and iniquities of their fellow Nephites. They would have gladly borne the burdens with Alma’s people, but they had departed into the wilderness (vv. 29–31; compare Mosiah 18:8–9).
Since the arrival of Ammon and his brethren, King Limhi and his people had covenanted to serve God and keep his commandments, and were desirous to be baptized as had Alma’s people. But none in the land had authority to perform this ordinance, and Ammon considered himself unworthy (Mosiah 21:32–34). Ammon’s reasons for feeling unworthy are not specified. One cannot help but wonder about the Lord’s involvement in this attitude. As suggested earlier, perhaps Ammon and his companions were chosen by King Mosiah because of their ability to survive in the wilderness. They may not have been spiritual giants. The Lord uses people according to their abilities. Another possibility is that Ammon was worthy, but the Lord inspired him to decline lest the Nephites lose their incentive to return to Zarahemla following their baptism.
While these possibilities cannot be positively ascertained, it is evident that Limhi’s people were now turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart and putting their trust in him (Mosiah 7:33). Their trust is exemplified in their devoted study towards finding a deliverance from bondage. As mentioned before, the Lord has instructed us to study things out in our minds as a part of the revelatory process (see comments under Mosiah 20:17–22). Limhi’s people recognized the Lord’s timetable and began “waiting upon the Spirit of the Lord” (Mosiah 21:34).