Lachoneus, a righteous man who trusted in the Lord, sought to prepare his people for what lay ahead.
- First (and most important), he called them to repentance and implored his people to cry to God for strength against their enemies.
- Second, he sought to make those physical arrangements among the people- fortifications, appointment of key military leaders, production of weapons and armor, gathering to a central location, and so forth- which would enhance their chances against the bloodthirsty Gadianton bands.