As the story turns to the way that the people of Limhi are saved from their dire circumstances, there is a suggestion that they attempt yet again the method that failed three times in a row. Perhaps they felt that they had repented sufficiently and that the Lord might be on their side this time. Even with their repentant state, the previous efforts had diminished the number of men who could be mustered into a fighting army. They were even weaker than they had been in the previous failed attempts.
As they attempt to find a way out, Gideon comes back into the story. As a military man he is clearly aware of the difficulties of fighting the Lamanites. He calls upon the king to make a suggestion, and reminds the king that he has the people’s interests at heart.