In 4 Nephi 1:20 we find that “there began to be Lamanites again in the land.” Did these new “Lamanites” (1) start to surface in the same particular regions as they inhabited previously?; or (2) Do we envision a land where “pockets” of Lamanites were cropping up both in the Land of Nephi and the Land of Zarahemla?; or (3) Do we see pockets of Lamanites that were forming throughout all the land northward and all the land southward? I feel we will find that the original cultures, for the most part, remained in place. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on 4 Nephi 1:36-38]
Geographical Theory Map: 4 Nephi 1:20 The First “Lamanites” Appear (110 A.S.--194 A.S.)
“Therefore There Began to Be Lamanites Again in the Land”
After briefly telling us of the glory and happiness of the Zion period of Nephite society, Mormon quickly sketched how his people moved from that state of complete righteousness to a state of wickedness. That so many years of history were covered in such a few verses suggests that Mormon was highlighting only the major steps or problems that led to their downfall. These include the following:
1. A group broke off and became Lamanites. (v. 20)
2. Exceeding prosperity brought pride--people began wearing costly clothing and adornments. (v. 24)
3. The law of consecration was abandoned. (v. 25)
4. Classes in society began to develop. (v. 26)
5. False churches were organized to get gain. (v. 26-28)
6. Persecution of the true church began. (v. 29-34)
7. There was a great division among the people. (v. 35-38)
8. Children were taught to reject the truths of the gospel. (v. 38, 39)
9. The wicked became more numerous than the righteous. (v. 40)
10. Secret combinations began to appear. (v. 42)
11. The people of God became proud & as wicked as the others. (v. 43-45)
12. Secret society conspiracy overran the whole land. (v. 46)
[Church Educational System, Book of Mormon Student Manual, Religion 121-122, pp. 1981, pp. 450-451]