Zarahemla Under Judicial Rule

Ammonite Immigration

Alma 27:21

Ammon and the missionaries have a sizable group of converts who want to immigrate to Zarahemla to escape persecution, so the chief judge holds a referendum to get the Nephite public opinion as to what should be done with them.

And it came to pass that the chief judge sent a proclamation throughout all the land, desiring the voice of the people concerning the admitting their brethren, who were the people of Anti–Nephi–Lehi.

Alma 27:22–24

The public states that the eastern city of Jershon will be designated for the converts, and agrees to provide military protection for them, since the converts had covenanted not to fight anymore.

And it came to pass that the voice of the people came, saying:

“Behold, we will give up the land of Jershon, which is on the east by the sea, which joins the land Bountiful, which is on the south of the land Bountiful; and this land Jershon is the land which we will give unto our brethren for an inheritance.

And behold, we will set our armies between the land Jershon and the land Nephi, that we may protect our brethren in the land Jershon; and this we do for our brethren, on account of their fear to take up arms against their brethren lest they should commit sin; and this their great fear came because of their sore repentance which they had, on account of their many murders and their awful wickedness.

And now behold, this will we do unto our brethren, that they may inherit the land Jershon; and we will guard them from their enemies with our armies, on condition that they will give us a portion of their substance to assist us that we may maintain our armies.”

Alma 27:25–26

Ammon brings Alma to his converts, who are camping out in the wilderness—Ammon tells them they are welcome to inhabit the city of Jershon.

Now, it came to pass that when Ammon had heard this, he returned to the people of Anti–Nephi–Lehi, and also Alma with him, into the wilderness, where they had pitched their tents, and made known unto them all these things. And Alma also related unto them his conversion, with Ammon and Aaron, and his brethren. And it came to pass that it did cause great joy among them.

Alma 27:25

The converts travel to Jershon and establish themselves there.

And they went down into the land of Jershon, and took possession of the land of Jershon; …

Alma 27:25–27

Previously knows as Anti–Nephi–Lehites, they now call themselves the people of Ammon (Ammonites).

… and they were called by the Nephites the people of Ammon; therefore they were distinguished by that name ever after. And they were among the people of Nephi, and also numbered among the people who were of the church of God.

And they were also distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things; and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end.

Alma 27:28–30

The Ammonites live peacefully in the hope of salvation through Christ.

And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it.

Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them. And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord.

Alma 29:1-17

Alma reflects upon missionary work and finds joy therein.