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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 12
select few were Ammah and Muloki. Ammon told King Lamoni of the situation revealed to him
and said, "I go .that I may deliver them" ( A. 12: 183) .The king said, "I will go with thee to the
land of Middoni, for the king of the land. .., whose name is Antiomno, is a friend unto me. Who
told thee that thy brethren were in prison?" (184,186). When Ammon told him it was God, Lamoni
ordered his servants to make ready the horses and chariots.
Alma 12:190 And it came to pass that as Ammon and Lamoni were journeying thither, that they met the
father of Lamoni, who was king over all the land.
The great king asked why his son had not come to the feast prepared for his sons and the people.
Without waiting for an answer, he continued, "Whither art thou going with this Nephite, who is
one of the children of a liar?" (192).
Lamoni, fearing to offend 'him, rehearsed carefully where he was going, and the circumstances
which deterred his being at the £east. .His father was angry and began a tirade against the Nephites
which ended with a command that he should slay Ammon. This Lamoni refused to do, and said he
would go on to Middoni to secure the release 0£ Ammon's brethren.
At this rebuff, the father of Lamoni drew his sword to smite his Son. Ammon stepped forward and
said, "Thou shalt not slay thy son; nevertheless, it were better that he should £all than thee" (201).
He then explained, "He has repented of his sins; ...thy soul could not be saved" (202).
Then he attempted ,to strike down Ammon. But Ammon parried his blow, and .then smote his arm
so that it was useless. Seeing he was in danger of losing his own life, the king began to plead with
Ammon. With upraised sword, Ammon made his price £or sparing the king's life the freeing of his
'brethren from prison in Middoni. The king promised, "1 will grant unto thee whatsoever thou wilt
ask. even to the half of the kingdom" (208). Then Ammon raised his price to include that Lamoni
be retained in his kingdom and be able to do as he desired.
At this request 'the penitent king began to rejoice. He knew Ammon had no desire to take his life,
and that he had great love for Lamoni. The king said, "My son may retain his kingdom from this
time and for ever; and I will govern him no more" (212). He added a hope that "thou and thy
brethren may come unto me, in my kingdom, for I shall greatly desire to see thee" (213).
Then Ammon and his party went on to Middoni. Lamoni won the favor of the king of the land,
and the brethren were released from prison. Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah were found "naked, and
their skins were worn exceedingly" because of the cords. "And they also had suffered hunger,
thirst, and all kind of affliction" (127, 218) with patience. These three missionaries must have
rejoiced greatly at this remarkable change in their status.