Culture: Amulek proclaims that the destruction has been held in abeyance by the prayers of the righteous, a vivid vignette confirming that the religio-political climate in Ammonihah is as diverse as Zarahemla’s. Both cities contain adherents to the order of the Nehors and to the Nephite religion. However, in Ammonihah, the order of the Nehors is the majority.
When Amulek describes the coming destruction, he explains that it will not be a flood, as in the days of Noah. Book of Mormon history contains two Noahs, the one saved from a flood, the other burned by fire. Amulek expects that his audience will quickly identify which Noah he means. This reference to Noah of the flood has a specific purpose. There is no reason for the Ammonihahites to know what won’t destroy them. There are any number of modes of destruction that will not be inflicted upon Ammonihah. Why then does he mention the flood and Noah specifically? Amulek is making sure that Ammonihah understands that this destruction, like Noah’s flood, comes from Yahweh as vengeance upon the wicked. The method is different. The source is the same.
The combination of famine, disease, and warfare that Amulek predicts are a logical combination. Warfare frequently results in famine and disease. Slaying able-bodied men means fewer farmers to plant and harvest. War frequently destroys crops, both intentionally and as collateral damage. Corpses from the war can easily contaminate ground water or provide a breeding ground for insect-transmitted diseases.
When destruction does fall upon the city, it comes in the form of raiding Lamanites who burn the city and take the inhabitants captives, a departure from most of the tributary-based wars fought up to this point. (See commentary accompanying Alma 24:9–11 and 25:1.)