“The Lord Caused a Deep Sleep to Come Upon the Lamanites”

Brant Gardner

Both the Limhites and the Almaites leave with their belongings past sleeping guards. However, Limhi’s guards were sleeping because of extra wine while Yahweh himself caused a deeper sleep to come upon the Lamanites guarding Helam. Perhaps this detail suggests that Alma’s group had relied almost entirely on their new faith throughout their existence as a people, while the Limhites, who were in the process of repentance, were more used to relying upon themselves than Yahweh. In each case, Yahweh causes a miracle; but perhaps the more active role of the Limhites reflects that, though strong of faith, they still saw themselves as an important part of their own destiny.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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