After the transition information (v. 1) linking this event to the ending in the last chapter, Mormon records Alma’s transfer of the plates to Helaman, completing the assignment of the previous year (Alma 37:1–2).
The actual transfer takes the form of a “worthiness interview” where Alma reviews key points in Helaman’s understanding. The first question deals with the task of safeguarding the plates and whether Helaman remembers the sacred nature of that mission.