Book of Mormon Commentary CofC - Odessa, Missouri Community ...

Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 22
This shows how thin is the veneer of civilization which covers mankind under some conditions.
The people of Lehi fled to the camp of Moroni for protection. The aggressors, led by Morianton,
learned that the people of Lehi had placed their case before Moroni, and fearful that his army
should destroy them, they were persuaded by their leader to "flee to the land which was
northward, which was covered with large bodies of water" ( 30) .
The plot was frustrated because Morianton became angry at one of his maidservants and beat her.
She fled to the camp of Moroni and told him all, including the people's intention to flee. Moroni
feared this would lead to serious consequences and result in "overthrow of their liberty," so he sent
an army "to stop their flight into the land northward" (33, 34).
Teancum led the Nephite forces and, in the battle which followed their contact, he slew
Morianton, defeated his army, and took the prisoners back to Moroni's camp (36, 37). They then
covenanted to keep the peace, were restored to their own land, and united with the people of Lehi
(39).
Alma 22:40 And it came to pass that in the same year that the people of Nephi had peace restored unto
them, that Nephihah, the second chief judge, died, having filled the judgment seat with perfect
uprightness before God;
It seems that Alma II had asked him "to take possession or' the sacred records, but he had refused
(41). Alma then conferred them upon his son, Helaman. After Nephihah's death, his son, Pahoran,
"was appointed to fill the judgment seat”. In addition to his appointment as chief judge, he was
governor of the people. His oath of office required him "to keep the peace, and the freedom of the
people. ..to grant. ..their sacred privileges to worship. ..and to bring the wicked to justice" ( 42,
43).