The Lord was more patient with the Lamanites because they were not given as many opportunities as the Nephites. Therefore, the Lord would not destroy them, but would leave them upon the land (v. 4). The more part of the Lamanites at this time were observing the law of Moses (v. 5). Missionary work was thriving among them (v. 6). They believed the holy scriptures and were firm and steadfast in the faith (vv. 7–8). They had also buried their weapons of war and feared to sin (v. 9). Those are the reasons the Lord will prolong their days upon the land (v. 10).
Zenos and many other prophets had spoken of the restoration of the Lamanites in the latter days even though they would be scattered and smitten (vv. 11–12; see also Alma 9:16). The Lamanites shall come to a true knowledge of their Redeemer, their great and true shepherd (v. 13). The Redeemer and true shepherd is not the Christian concept of God today, but the knowledge of Jesus Christ, the creator, and administrator of the world. He is “the author and the finisher of their faith” (Moroni 6:4; Hebrews 12:2).