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Book of Mormon Commentary
Alma Chapter 27
MORONI WRITES TO PAHORAN IN ANGER, VER. 1-29
Alma 27:1 Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year of the reign of the Judges over the people of Nephi,
after Moroni had received and had read Helaman's epistle, he was exceedingly rejoiced because of the
welfare, yea, the exceeding success which Helaman had had, in obtaining those lands which were lost;
Moroni shared the good news with "all his people in all the land round about" (2). Then he wrote
Pahoran, the governor of all the land, for men and provisions to strengthen the armies. Moroni
immediately began plans to free the rest of their cities which the Lamanites held. However, at that
very time the city of Nephihah, containing refugees from the cities of Moroni, Lehi, and
Morianton, was attacked by a large army of Lamanites. Having been driven from the cities on the
west sea by Helaman's successes, the Lamanites came east and joined Ammoron's forces. Thus
with fresh supplies of men and provisions adding to their strength daily, by sheer weight of
numbers the Lamanites were able to overwhelm every obstacle in their way. The Nephites in
Nephihah were compelled to flee to Moroni's army (5-8). This defeat caused Moroni great sorrow,
and he and all his chief captains had doubts, because of the wickedness of their own people,
whether they could keep from falling into the hands of the Lamanites. His anger rose at what
seemed to be the indifference 0£ the government (12,13).
Alma 27:14 And it came to pass that he wrote again to the governor of the land, who was Pahoran, and
these are the words which he wrote, saying, Behold, I direct mine epistle to Pahoran, in the city of
Zarahemla, who is the chief judge and the governor over the land, and also to all those who have been
chosen by this people to govern and manage the affairs of this war;
In this epistle Moroni was impulsive and bold. "I have somewhat to say unto them by the way of
condemnation," he began. "Great has been your neglect towards us; and. ..we desire to know the
cause of this exceeding great neglect" (15, 19).
Moroni reminded them that the work appointed unto them was to supply men, arms, and
provisions. Yet the soldiers and their leaders had endured "exceeding great sufferings; yea, even
hunger, thirst, and fatigue, and all manner of afflictions" (16). However, had this been all they
would not complain; but "great has been the slaughter among our people." This would not have
happened "if ye had rendered unto our armies sufficient strength and succor for them" (18).
Alma 27:20 Can you think to sit upon your thrones, in a state of thoughtless stupor, while your enemies
are spreading the work of death around you?
The commander in chief of the Nephite armies was a brave leader, a successful general, a man of
action. He failed to see that poor communications might have left him prey to wrong conclusions
about the attitude and ability of the governor and his helpers in Zarahemla.
Alma 27:26 But behold, ye have neglected them, insomuch that the blood of thousands shall come upon
your heads for vengeance; yea, for known unto God were all their cries, and all their sufferings.
Moroni was a discreet and far-seeing man. But he often acted in anger. When any leader permits
his emotions rather than his reason to rule, he is apt to betray sound judgment. He said that God