Moroni is chief commander of the Nephite armies from around 74 BC until his retirement, not long before his death in 56 BC (see Alma 62:43; 63:3). The scriptural account confirms the sterling character of this man:
And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery. Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people. (Alma 48:11–12)
Moroni is best known as the originator of the Title of Liberty, a revolutionary movement to galvanize the people to the defense of their families, their religion, and their freedom against tyranny and oppression (see Alma 46:12–20).
As a result of Moroni’s inspired leadership, the people are able to take an effective stand against their traitorous countrymen (the “king-men” and their successors) who wish to overthrow the free government in favor of a dictatorship in league with the Lamanites. The arduous process requires years of constant vigilance and meticulous military planning and action within the context of seeking the guidance of God. Helaman (son of Alma) and the two thousand stripling warriors will contribute enormous momentum to the campaign. The outcome is eventual triumph over the conspiracies of evil—“and there was once more peace established among the people of Nephi” (Alma 62:42). Mormon’s praise of Moroni aptly recaptures the essence of his exemplary career: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17).