Whether the large body of Lamanites were slain in battle or captured and then slain is not stated in the text (v. 25). It is assumed they were killed in battle, but they were also offered a covenant of peace, to no more take up their weapons of war (v. 16). That there were four thousand not slain illustrates the desire for freedom that also existed among the Lamanites. The people of Ammon (v. 17) were those Lamanites who had previously entered into such a covenant (see Alma 24). Freedom is an innate desire until taken away through disobedience and the traditions of man (see D&C 93:39). A major battle was building to take place at Nephihah (v. 18).