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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 14
THE KING OF THE LAMANITES SENDS OUT A PROCLAMATION, VER. 1-16
Alma 14:5 Therefore he sent this proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that the word of
God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might
be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers,
None of his subjects, according to this decree, were to "lay their hands on" the sons of Mosiah or
their brethren "to bind them, or to cast them into prison. ..nor cast them out of their synagogues,
nor scourge them" (2). They were not to spit upon them, nor smite them, nor cast stones at them.
"They should have free access to their houses, ...temples, and their sanctuaries" (3). They were to
"preach the word according to their desires" (4).
Aaron and his brethren went "from city to city, and from one house of worship to another,
establishing churches, and consecrating priests and teachers. ..and thus they began to have great
success" (8).
Alma 14:9 And thousands were brought to the knowledge of the Lord, yea, thousands were brought to
believe in the traditions of the Nephites; and they were taught the records and the prophecies which were
handed down, even to the present time;
The particular traditions referred to were that Nephi had been called of God to lead the Lehite
colony, and that he had not stolen the birthright from Laman as they claimed. These Lamanites
who believed the preaching and were converted "never did fall away, for they became a righteous
people” (11). Many gave consent to be baptized, but did not go on to become stable, working
Christians. Soon they were backsliders and fault-finders. But these Lamanites "did not fight
against God any more, neither against any of their brethren" (12).
The historian then told where these converted people lived. He named four lands: Ishmael,
Middoni, Shilom, and Shemlon ; and three cities: Nephi, Lemuel, and Shimnilon (13).
Alma 14:15 And the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the
Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts, and also the hearts of the Lamanites in that part of the land
wheresoever they dwelt; yea, and all their villages and all their cities;
These people hardened their hearts and became ripe for destruction. No further record is given of
the one convert. Doubtless in the abridgment by Mormon this detail was sacrificed.
THE ANTI-NEPHI-LEHIS REFUSED TO KILL, VER. 17-48
Alma 14:18 Therefore the king consulted with Aaron and many of their priests, concerning the name
that they should take upon them, that they might be distinguished.
They did not want to be classed as Lamanites any longer. The name they chose seems unique even
for the Book of Mormon. Perhaps the connotation now given to "anti," meaning against, was quite
different in the original language and in ancient times.