Following the ministry of Alma and Amulek in the wicked city of Ammonihah, the Lamanites attack and destroy the city in the year 81 b.c. in fulfillment of prophecy. Some citizens are taken captive by the Lamanites and led into the wilderness. The chief captain over the Nephite armies at the time is a man named Zoram, who has two sons, Aha and Lehi. Zoram inquires of Alma where he should take his forces to recover the captives. Alma receives direction from the Lord, and Zoram takes his two sons and marches forth to engage the Lamanites. The Lamanites are scattered and driven into the wilderness and the Nephite prisoners are returned to their homes unharmed (see Alma 16:8).