Reference: Alma opens by reciting the foundational promise to the Nephite people, a covenant given to both Nephi and Lehi (1 Ne. 4:14, 2 Ne. 1:9). For both Lehi (as the patriarch of the clan) and Nephi, this promise applied to the entire people. Alma invokes this national promise but personalizes it for his son. It thus becomes not only a personal commandment but a way of making his son part of his people’s great tradition. Helaman will be the records’ guardian and needs to be keenly aware of his connections to his people’s long history. Nevertheless, it is his personal righteousness that is of highest importance.