The colonists have now been repatriated to Zarahemla, from whence Zeniff first ventured forth to regain the land of their first inheritance. They are now secure. No attacks threaten them, they have adequate food and shelter, they have networks of support and encouragement under peaceful conditions, and they have regained their strength. Alma reminds them that they should be thinking about the Lord and His mercy and kindness toward them. He teaches them “that they should remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them” (verse 16).
It reminds us of the miracle performed by Jesus in healing the ten lepers: “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:15–19).
Through the service and leadership of Alma, we might suppose, indeed we hope, that all of the people—not just one out of ten—remembered to offer sincere thanks to the Lord for His blessings of mercy and deliverance.