At this point, the people of Ammon had been in the land of Jershon for a little over two years. They had been welcomed by the Nephites and given the land of Jershon for their inheritance. Now, they were given an opportunity to return the favor. This is an important principle of humility. At times, when we need financial help from the Church, we should not feel guilty about having to accept "charity." Rather, we should understand that this is according to the pattern of the Lord and that we will likely have an opportunity to return the favor sometime later.