In war, the prophet’s role was to invoke Yahweh’s assistance. Moroni needs to know where the Lamanite army is headed, since the retreat might be a feint. He would have considered Manti a target for the same reasons that it had occurred to Zerahemnah. However, Zerahemnah could have taken the more difficult route over the mountains to attack Zarahemla or have done something entirely different. Accurate information was crucial in a successful defense. Moroni seeks aid from Alma, who learns by revelation that the attack is aimed at Manti. Moroni now knows how to deploy his forces.