The entire 26 chapter of Alma is recorded by Mormon to support his statement in the previous chapter that the four sons of Mosiah “and their brethren did rejoice exceedingly, for the success which they had had among the Lamanites” (Alma 25:17). Ammon is reporting his mission to his fellow missionaries. They had separated upon their arrival “in the borders of the land of the Lamanites” (Alma 17:13). Unlike today they went alone, not with a companion, to the various parts of the Lamanite land (see Alma 17:17–18). As the eldest (see Mosiah 27:34) and “the chief among them” (Alma 17:18) Ammon recounts what has happened in the fourteen years of their labors. He rejoices over the almost unbelievable success of the Lamanites going from the “darkest abyss” to the “marvelous light of God” (Alma 26:3). Their acknowledgment that they were instruments in the hands of God is a fulfillment of the Lord’s promise to the missionaries after they had fasted and prayed for many days as they traveled in the wilderness in the beginning of their mission (see Alma 17:9–11). This acknowledgment also gives the proper credit. It reminds us of Paul’s declaration, “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Having brought thousands “into the fold of God” (Alma 26:4) illustrates the brevity of Alma’s record.
Ammon is apparently quoting or paraphrasing scripture in the next three verses. The field being white (v. 5) reminds us of Jesus’ description of the people of Samaria as he spoke to his disciples while they traveled to the Galilee (see John 4:35–38). The same symbolism of grain being ready to harvest when the heads turn white being compared to the harvest of souls in missionary work may have been used in the Old Testament, but was among “the many plain and precious things” which were taken out of the Bible (1 Nephi 13:29). Ammon’s use of “thrust in the sickle, and did reap” is part of the same symbolism used by the Lord in modern-day revelation (see D&C 4:4; 6:3–4, 11:3–4, 12:3–4, 14:3–4). In the Old Testament, part of Ammon’s analogy was used. The prophet Joel was told, “put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe” (Joel 3:13). The storm and the whirlwinds, and the winds not affecting the harvest of the last days (Alma 26:6–7) are also part of the same symbolism.
Again Alma gives due credit to the Lord (v. 8). The benefits were twofold. The missionaries had been blessed with new truly beloved friends, and the Lamanites were no longer strangers to God (v. 9).