Beginning with this chapter it becomes suddenly apparent that Alma knows he has come to the end of his ministry and must now turn over his multitude of duties of the past eighteen years to his eldest son. Alma's opening statement clearly emphasizes how strongly he feels about the transferring of his principal duties onto the shoulders of his eldest son, Helaman. Alma said:
Alma wanted to impress upon Helaman how significant each set of the Nephite records is to the Lord. He starts out with the plates of brass made of copper and tin. This was the most complete scripture which the Nephites had in their possession. It was really the book of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. Joseph had commenced writing this record back around 1700 B.C. and this record appears to contain a more complete account than the Jewish Old Testament itself.