The bond of love between the missionaries and those who were converted is shown here (vv. 4–5). The converts admired the missionaries, and the missionaries were dedicated to the converts. The convert’s reservation in going to the land of Zarahemla (v. 6) should not be interpreted as a fear of death. They were willing to die because of their covenant with God (see v. 3 above and Alma 24:18), but they saw no need to go to Zarahemla and face the same situation they were already in. The converts offering to be slaves (Alma 27:8) was an attempt to make restitution for their previous sins. They obviously understood the steps of repentance. However, King Benjamin knew (when he gave the law) the Lord’s views on slavery under the higher law of Christ (v. 9). Slavery was a part of the law of Moses as a means to compensate the owner of the slaves for his original investment, but the end result was freedom for the slaves (see Exodus 21:2–6). However the Lamanite king had full faith in the Lord and in Ammon as his servant. Whatever the Lord required, he and his servants would do. The Lord told them to go and promised them his protection (Alma 27:12).