Alma now promised to show how, in spite of their righteousness, his people were brought into the cruel and wicked servitude of even more cruel and wicked men.
The Lord had a purpose in permitting Alma's people to be made the slaves of their enemies. The beautiful surroundings of their new homes, the ease with which the earth was made to bring forth its many bounties, the peace which, contrasted with the unrest they had suffered in Noah's kingdom, caused some of them to become neglectful of God's commandments. Others, we may think, became indolent and careless in observing the Law of Moses. Then, too, farther to the north was the main body of the Nephites, who then were a peaceful and God-fearing people and who were ruled by a wise and just monarch, one appointed king at God's command.
From the events, which, we may say cast their shadows before them, one can understand the purposes of the Lord in thus preparing the way for the union of the two peoples under one ruler.
Sore were their afflictions, and many were the burdens put on Alma's people by their bondsmen, yet in marvelous ways did the Lord sustain them. Strength continued to come to them from On High, and succor also came according to their need. The Lord showed them His mighty power, and in countless ways, He delivered them from the snares of the crafty Lamanites. Great were their rejoicings when, at last and when all was ready, the Lord answered their prayers and delivered them from bondage. The Sacred Record says that only God could deliver them.