Although the Nephites were permitted by the Lord to fight for their rights and liberties when attacked by the Lamanites (see Alma 43:46-47), nevertheless they had been warned by the Lord "never to give an offense, yea, and never to raise the sword except it were against an enemy, except it were to preserve their lives." (Alma 48:14.) (For further information concerning the teachings of the Lord and the prophets on war, see the materials listed after 3 Nephi 3:20-21.)