Helaman took his commitment to Alma seriously. He was more than a record keeper, he obviously succeeded his father as the high priest of the church (see Alma 4:18) and went forth to establish the church, or strengthen it from the effects of the wars (vv. 21–22). The old problem of pride and riches again surfaces (v. 24; see Jacob 2:13; Alma 4:6). However, Helaman had left them without excuse. He had taught them the word of God.