Today I read Alma 62, which marks the end of the war caused by Amalickiah and his brother Ammoron. This chapter is full of several principles. For example, this chapter marks the death of Teancum and Helaman. It also shows the wisdom of Moroni in how he conducted the war and how he fought a battle without losing so much as 1 soldier.
Really the most interesting part of this chapter to me, is the amount of Lamanites that after making a promise that they would no longer come against the Nephites to battle, instead of wanting to go back to their own lands, wanted instead to come over and become one with the people of Ammon. That is really surprising to me.
I don't think that all these Lamanites suddenly found religion, although I believe that some of them did, but I think rather that they were tired of the fighting and knew that if they went back home at some point they would be called upon to go to battle again against the Nephites. However, if they went to live with the people of Ammon, then they would never be compelled to go to battle again against the Nephites. That is my thought at least.
The war chapters are an interesting part of the Book of Mormon and as we've read them together and talked about them these past few weeks, I hope that with the help of the Spirit and my insights, I have given some reasons why they are included in a book of scripture. There are very many lessons to be learned from them, not the least of which is to remain true to the faith during times of despair and conflict.
Hopefully as we read the war chapters we will, instead of seeing chapters about nothing but fighting, we can instead read between the lines and find the gospel lessons to be learned in them and apply them to our own lives. Remember, the Book of Mormon is an abridgment of over 1000 years of history. The war chapters are included for a reason! Read them, ponder them, pray over them, and you will find out what you personally need to learn from them. Until tomorrow.
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