Translation: This passage continues the difficulties of certain Book of Mormon terms already discussed: “horses,” “chariots,” and “cattle.” (See commentary accompanying Alma 18:8–9 for horses and chariots; see commentary accompanying 1 Nephi 18:25 for cows and other animals.) Mesoamerican historical or archaeological records currently supply no evidence of the existence of these three items. While we may be seeing Joseph Smith’s attempt to capture unfamiliar plate terms with labels that would be familiar to his readers, it is not possible to know what words appeared on the plates. It is, however, interesting that horses and chariots again appear as a paired set and in the context of the “substance” to be removed with the cattle, flocks and herds—not a military context. Since the Nephites are transporting portable foodstuffs, perhaps the “horse,” whatever it was, it was also considered food. (See commentary accompanying 3 Nephi 4:4.)
Chronology: The seventeenth year from the sign of the Messiah’s birth would be approximately A.D. 13.