Amalickiah’s desire to be a king (v. 4) is a parallel to that of Amlici at the time of the commencement of Alma’s [the father of Helaman] administration (see Alma 2:2). Amalickiah’s natural man emphasis of physical prowess and strength (Alma 46:3) was supported by his mental capacity to use flattery (v. 5). Flattery is another characteristic of natural men such as Sherem (see Jacob 7:4), King Noah (see Mosiah 11:7), Alma the elder before his conversion (see Mosiah 27:8), and Korihor (see Alma 30:7). Amalickiah had his power hungry followers (Alma 46:4–5) just as Amlici and the others just mentioned (see the surrounding texts cited above). In spite of the warnings of Helaman and his brethren, the dissenters were believed by many church members (vv. 6–7). The pride of the natural men came into the church when the people began to prosper. At this time it was precarious and dangerous because of the ever threatening possibility of war with the Lamanites. The Lord has also warned the Church in this dispensation to beware of pride, the sin that eventually destroyed the Nephites. Their destruction had just been prophesied by Alma, the father of Helaman.
The conditions described in these verses led Mormon to insert the two precepts of this chapter: the quickness of people to forget and be led away by the evil one (v. 8) and the great wickedness that can be caused by one very wicked man (v. 9). Amalickiah was certainly a servant of the devil. He sought wickedness for all, the destruction of the church, and the loss of liberty or agency of man (v. 10, see also Moses 4:3). On the other hand, we will also see the effect that one very righteous man can have in the personage of Captain Moroni, as the record continues. Of course, we should not overlook what Helaman was doing, although the record does not enlarge upon his work at this time.