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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 12
She kept a bedside vigil until the morrow, when King Lamoni arose and spoke to her: "Blessed be
the name of God, and 'blessed art thou. ...I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth and
be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name" (142,143).
The king had "sunk again with joy, and the queen also sunk down" (144). Ammon "fell upon his
knees, and began to pour out his soul in prayer and thanksgiving to God" (146). Ammon was
overpowered with joy, and he sank down with the king and queen. The servants became fearful
and "began to cry unto God” (148).
Alma 12:150 And it came to pass that they did call on the name of the Lord, in their might, even till
they had all fallen to the earth, save it were one of the Lamanitish women, whose name was Abish, she
having been converted unto the Lord for many years, on account of a remarkable vision of her father;
thus having been converted to the Lord, never had made it known;
Seeing all these prostrate people, "she ran forth from house to house, making it known'” (153).
The multitude came to see, and supposed those lying upon the earth were all dead. Seeing this
white Nephite among them, some concluded that the disaster was caused by the king's permitting
Ammon to "remain in the land” (156). Others reasoned it was a punishment for Lamoni's slaying
his servants. Some remembered that Ammon had slain some Lamanites at the water of Sebus. One
whose brother had been slain drew his sword to kill Ammon; but before he could strike the blow,
he fell dead (160).
Seeing this manifestation of power which protected Ammon, "fear came upon them all" (162).
Contention arose as to the meaning and cause of this great power. Then Abish, feeling quite
penitent, went to the queen. As soon as Abish touched her hand, the queen arose to her feet and
exclaimed, "O blessed Jesus, who has saved me from an awful hell! O blessed God, have mercy
upon this people" (170). Then "she clapped her hands, being filled with joy" (171).
Alma 12:172 And when she had done this, she took the king, Lamoni, by the hand, and behold he arose
and stood upon his feet;
Seeing there was contention among his people, the king rebuked them and taught them "the words
which he had heard from the mouth of Ammon; and as many as heard his words, believed, and
were converted unto the Lord" (173). Some would not listen but "went their way" (174). Ammon
and all the servants arose and taught "the people the self-same thing.'. Their hearts had been
changed, and they had lost all desire to do evil. Many declared they had seen and conversed with
angels. Those who believed their testimony "were baptized, and they be- came a righteous people,
and they did establish a church among them” (178).
THE KING OVER ALL THE LAND IS CONVERTED, VER. 181-221
Alma 12:182 And the voice of the Lord came to Ammon, saying, Thou shalt not go up to the land of
Nephi, for behold the king will seek thy life; but thou shalt go to the land of Middoni; for behold, thy
brother Aaron, and also Muloki and Ammah are in prison.
Mosiah's sons had asked their father for permission to go among the Lamanites; and the record
reads, "they took a small number with them. ..whom they had selected" (Mosiah 12:1). Among the