In classic Nephite tradition, the spiritual leader is also the political leader and the military leader. Alma wears the hat of the high priest, chief judge, and commanding general of the Nephite armies. If the principle among the Nephites is that the leader is no better than his subject then it is not surprising that Alma did not command his armies from a position placed delicately in the rear. Rather, he led the troops in the most literal sense of the word, fighting with Amlici face to face.
The conflict is both dramatic and symbolic. As the two men struggle, as a metaphor for the classic struggle between good and evil, good prevails because of Alma's ability to call upon a greater source of power. Being exercised with much faith, [he] cried saying: O Lord, have mercy and spare my life, that I may be an instrument in thy hands to save and preserve this people. The Lord had been the source of the extra strength needed to win this symbolic struggle.