“Taking Possession of Many Cities and of Many Strongholds”

Brant Gardner

Redaction: Mormon describes Moronihah’s strategy (v. 25). While the lightning attack on Zarahemla had succeeded, Coriantumr had taken too great a risk in continuing his rapid advance down the river valley. Before Mormon tells us why, however, he explains that Moronihah was on the frontiers with his armies, assuming quite logically that those areas would bear the brunt of a Lamanite attack. Moronihah’s men were therefore out of position and unable to come quickly enough to Zarahemla’s assistance. But once Moronihah understands Coriantumr’s lightning drive toward Bountiful, he also understands how to exploit this tactical error.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 5

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