Among the Nephites, the greatest threat to peace came from within. The civil war brought on by Amalickiah was followed, four years later, by the treachery of the king-men (Alma 51:5). The intervening four years were marked by plenty of wars and contentions, but they were not civil wars nor were they internal contentions. Significantly, as long as there was peace at home and within the Church, the Nephites were able to prevail against the Lamanites. This shows the importance of the internal stability that Helaman and his brethren were working so hard to establish, Helaman did also maintain order in the church; yea, even for the space of four years did they have much peace and rejoicing in the church (Alma 46:38).