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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 12
The historian wrote that Ammon rejoiced when he saw their flocks being scattered, for he knew
that this could be turned to work for good. Ammon led the servants of the king "with much
swiftness, and did head the flocks" (47), and brought them back to the water of Sebus. The
unfriendly servants planned to scatter them again, but Ammon had other plans. He told his fellows
to encircle the flocks and he would contend with the men. With his sling he cast stones with
mighty power "and slew a certain number of them" (53). Those men who remained were
"astonished at his power, nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren"
(53,54). They tried to hit him with stones but failed, so came at him with clubs. As they raised
their clubs, Ammon "smote off their arms with his sword" (56).
Alma 12:59 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it were their leader, with his
sword; and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.
Many, however, lost an arm, and they fled in astonishment. Then Ammon and his fellows returned
their flocks to the king's pasture, and the fellow servants took the severed arms to the king "for a
testimony" (61).
KING LAMONI IS CONVERTED, VER. 62-122
Alma 12:65 And they answered the king, and said, Whether he be the Great Spirit or a man, we know
not, but this much we do know, that he can not be slain by the enemies of the king;
King Lamoni was greatly impressed by the report of Ammon's faithfulness and exclaimed, "Surely
this is more than a man" (63). After hearing more testimony of Ammon's loyalty and power, the
king said, "Now I know that it is the Great Spirit; and he has come down at this time to preserve
your lives, that I might not slay you as I did your brethren" (68). Even though the Lamanites had a
traditional belief in a Great Spirit, "they supposed that whatsoever they did, was right" (71). But
now the king was fearful that he had done wrong in slaying his servants.
Alma 12:75 And it came to pass that King Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying, Where is this man
that has such great power?
The servants said, "He is feeding thy horses" (76). Regardless of all the excitement at the water of
&bus, Ammon had remembered the king's command to "prepare his horses and chariots," that he
might ride to the feast prepared by his father, the "king over all the land" (77,78). The king "was
more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon ...for even he doth remember all my
commandments to execute them" (79,80).
The king sent for Ammon, but when he came before the king, Lamoni was unable to speak for an
hour. Ammon asked him twice why he had sent for him.
Alma 12:88 And it came to pass that Ammon, being filled with the Spirit of God, therefore he perceived
the thoughts of the king.