While the king-men may have decided not to take up arms in defense of the land of Zarahemla, they clearly took up arms in their own defense (yet another contrast to the people of Ammon). In spite of their attempts at defense, they are defeated by Moroni.
Literary: Mormon echoes the previous verses intent that Moroni would “pull down their pride and their nobility.” Without specifically noting how, Mormon simply indicates that they did “pull down their pride and their nobility.” Clearly Mormon intends to show that Moroni accomplished his goals. Note that he also includes the idea that they were “leveled to the earth.”