Among Moroni’s sterling qualities is the ability to surround himself with associates of the highest character and professionalism—men like Helaman and Lehi, another superb field general (first mentioned in this capacity in Alma 43:35). Early in his tenure, Moroni contends with the Lamanite forces by dividing his army in two parts—one under his command and the other under Lehi—and secreting them in order to surprise the advancing enemy. The military outcome is decisively in favor of the Nephites.
As a preview of Lehi’s leadership we can take note that in a later commission, around 72 BC, Lehi is appointed chief captain over the city of Noah, a city that has a reputation among the Lamanites as being weak. However, when the Lamanites learn that Lehi is in charge, they become concerned, “for they feared Lehi exceedingly” (see Alma 49:17). When they attack the city, with its reinforced defenses, they are driven back with the loss of all their captains (see Alma 49:23) and flee to their homeland. In a subsequent encounter around 64 BC, Lehi and his forces assist in the defeat of the Lamanites near Bountiful (see Alma 52:27–40).
That same year, Lehi is placed in charge of the city of Mulek, one of the chief cities of the Lamanites in the land of Nephi: “And Moroni went to the city of Mulek with Lehi, and took command of the city and gave it unto Lehi. Now behold, this Lehi was a man who had been with Moroni in the more part of all his battles; and he was a man like unto Moroni, and they rejoiced in each other’s safety; yea, they were beloved by each other, and also beloved by all the people of Nephi” (Alma 53:2). Following the insurrection in Zarahemla in which governor Pahoran is forced to flee, Moroni leaves Lehi and Teancum in charge of the forces in the field in the year 61 BC and returns to reclaim the capital on behalf of the people (see Alma 62:3). Later, Moroni, Lehi, and Teancum (who is slain in battle) win an immense victory over the Lamanites in the land of Moroni, thus restoring peace to the land around 60 BC and enabling Moroni to retire and appoint his son, Moronihah, as his successor. Lehi later assists Moronihah in defeating the Lamanite armies in Zarahemla (see Helaman 1:28–30). Lehi, a devoted and exemplary commander, defends the freedom and liberty of his people to the end.