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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 12
Alma 12:9 They did suffer much, both in body and in mind; such as hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and also
much labor in the spirit.
It must have been a difficult decision they made when they each in turn "refused the kingdom"
(10) and the way of royalty for a life of service among savages. "They journeyed many days in the
wilderness, and they fasted much, and prayed much" (14). As a result, the lord said, "Go forth
among the Lamanites ... be patient in long .suffering. ..I will make an instrument of thee in my
hands, unto the salvation of many souls" (18,19). It must have helped them, too, under the stress of
suffering, to remember the promise the lord made to their father that they would some- time return
safely (Mosiah 12:11; Alma 12:50).
AMMON BECAME A SERVANT OF KING LAMONI, VER. 20-40
Alma 12:22 And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach the word of God to a wild,
and a hardened, and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing,
and plundering them;
They knew that "the curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers
(25) They separated ...and went forth among them, every man alone, according to the word and
power of God, which was given unto him" (27).
Usually in going among the Gentiles to preach, men of the ministry were to go two by two (Mark
6:9; D. and C. 42:2c; 115:1c,d) , but here they were directed to go alone. There might be less
hostility to their mission by coming among the Lamanites alone. They threw themselves entirely
upon the mercy of the people and trusted in God alone for protection and success.
Alma 12:29 And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after the sons of Ishmael,
who also became Lamanites.
As soon as he was seen by the Lamanites, he was seized, bound, and carried to the king, Lamoni
(30-32). The king asked Ammon if he wished to dwell among them. He answered, "Yea, ...for a
time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die” (34).
This pleased the king, and he offered him "one of his daughters to wife" {35). Ammon said he
preferred to become “a servant to King Lamoni” (36). His offer was accepted, and he "was set,
among other servants, to watch the flocks" (37). After three days, Ammon went with the servants
of the king to water the flocks at the water of Sebus, where many other flocks were taken. Certain
of the other servants scattered the flocks of King Lamoni as they had done on previous occasions.
Ammon's fellow servants "began to murmur, saying, Now the king will slay us, as he has our
brethren”.(40).
AMMON PROTECTS THE KING'S FLOCKS AND SERVANTS, VER. 41-61
Alma 12:45 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying, My brethren be of good
cheer and let us go in search of the flocks, and we will gather them together, and bring them back unto
the place of water;