Alma’s purpose in giving up the judgment seat was to free himself to travel to other cities that would still have belonged to the “land” of Zarahemla. His first stop was in nearby city of Gideon, in the valley of Gideon. Mormon takes precious time in reminding the reader that here Gideon, Limhi’s captain, was confronted and slain by Nehor, proponent of the alternate worldview or religion. This detail highlights the tension in the land even as Mormon emphasizes the faithfulness of the people of Gideon.