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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 26
Alma 26:134 And thus we did go forth with all our might against the Lamanites, who were in the city of
Manti; and we did pitch our tents by the wilderness side, which was near to the city.
When the Lamanite spies saw that the Nephite army was not strong in numbers, fearing to be cut
off from their supply line, they came out to battle, "supposing that they could easily destroy us"
(136, 137). Helaman sent Gid with a small army to secrete themselves on the right in the
wilderness, and also Teomner with a small army to secrete themselves on the left in the
wilderness. Helaman kept the rest of the men where they had camped near Manti (138, 139).
The Lamanites came out in large numbers and were about to attack, when Helaman led a retreat
into the wilderness. The Lamanites rushed forward until they found they were approaching the
land of Zarahemla; then they became afraid of a plot, and so they returned by the way they had
come. At night Helaman passed by the Lamanites, and reached Manti before they did, and took
possession of the city without the shedding of blood (149-153).
When the Lamanite~ reached Manti and found the Nephites in possession, they fled in terror into
the wilderness. Thus all the cities th.e Nephites had lost were retaken (157).
Alma 26:158 But behold, our armies are small, to maintain so great a number of cities, and so great
possessions.
"We trust. ..in our God, who has given us victory," wrote Helaman. Yet he was worried as to why
Zarahemla had not sent “greater strength” (160). Helaman never ceased to sing the praises of the
sons of the people of Ammon. While "they have received many wounds; nevertheless they stand
in that liberty wherewith God has made them free" (166). Then he added, "They art strict to
remember the Lord their God. ..to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments
continually; and their faith is strong in the prophecies concerning that which is to come" (167).