Background to the Wars
The following points summarize the background of this war period:- The Zoramites dissented from the Nephites (see Alma 31:8–10).
- The Nephites feared the dissenters would join with the Lamanites; Alma endeavored to preach the word of God to the Zoramites to keep this from happening (see vv. 4–5).
- The Zoramites who believed in Alma’s preaching were cast out by the unbelieving Zoramites, who feared the loss of their wealth and power if conversion were widespread (see Alma 35:3–6).
- The people of Ammon, also known as the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, provided for the welfare of the cast out Zoramites (see v. 9).
- The apostate Zoramites threatened the people of Ammon, but the people of Ammon continued to help the rejected Zoramites (see vv. 8–9).
- The apostate Zoramites mixed with the Lamanites and stirred them up to war against the people of Ammon (see vv. 10–11).
- The people of Ammon and the converted Zoramites were evacuated, and the Nephite armies prepared for war (see v. 13).
- Alma was concerned about the wickedness among his people (see v. 15).
- Alma sent his sons, including a repentant Corianton (see Alma 49:30), among the Nephites to call them to repentance (see Alma 43:1–2).
- The apostate Zoramites became Lamanites (see v. 4).
- The Lamanites moved into the land of the Zoramites in preparation for an attack upon the Nephites (see v. 5).
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