The Lamanites, prodded on by the dissident Nephites, the Amalekites and Amulonites who had left behind and disowned their own people in Zarahemla, prepared themselves to come up to the Land of Nephi and destroy both the king and his followers. They hoped to put one of their own number upon the king's throne, and to this end they began the onslaught.
When the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi saw the wicked intent of the Lamanites, they offered no armed resistance. The Lord was their helper, and on Him they relied. True it was, the people of King Anti-Nephi-Lehi met the rebels head-on; however, not with swords, cimeters, clubs, or slings, but they encountered them with shouts of praise to God and begging Him to give them courage and fortitude to meet their resolves. They readied themselves to meet the foe, and neither flinched nor feared thir coming doom. They bared their heads to await the coming blow. The Lamanites, in malicious glee, began the slaughter. One thousand and five souls were thus martyred, and one thousand and five of them were sent thereby to dwell with their God and His holy angels.