This is Mormon's description. Clearly the intents and thoughts of the attackers were not known to Ammon, and Mormon is guessing at their motivations. What we can discern as completely accurate was that the attackers outnumbered the single Ammon. What we must also understand of Mormon's description is that Ammon was full of the spirit and knew that he could withstand the attack of the men. Although Mormon indicates that this would be in fulfillment of the promise made to Mosiah, it is certain that Ammon would not be so foolhardy to place himself in harm's way just because he had been promised protection. The Lord may promise us protection, but expects that we use reason and caution as well.