Lamanite is a convenient political collective (“them”) in opposition to the Nephites (“us”). Regardless of the actual lineage of the various political alliances, the Nephite/Lamanite labels are consistently used just as Jacob did: allies are Nephites, enemies are Lamanites. Why are Lamanites always involved in military conflicts? Because wars occur only against enemies and enemies are always Lamanites.
The second question is why the Lamanites are so easily drawn into battle. When the Zoramites come recruiting, the Lamanites in the neighboring wilderness respond eagerly, even though they have no interest in the political conflict. The answer here lies in the cult of war previously described. (See commentary accompanying Alma 24:9–11.) Mesoamerican culture included at its foundation the exaltation of warfare as a religious rite. Glory in battle was a supreme achievement. In addition, the constant jockeying for tribute made restructuring alliances attractive. If this Zoramite/ Lamanite alliance could break Jershon’s alliance to Zarahemla, then Jershon’s tribute would flow to Antionum and their Lamanite allies. Thus, both religious and economic benefits encouraged Lamanite participation in warfare.
Chronology: The seventeenth year of the judges was approximately 77 B.C.