What does Zeniff mean by saying he was “over-zealous”? A first possibility is that, writing his record with the perspective of hindsight, he contrasts early enthusiasm with his later perspective about their political dependence on the mercy of the Lamanites. Second, perhaps he merely meant that he was in such a hurry to return that his preparations were less adequate than they should have been. Support for this second possibility seems to be in his description of the journey’s hardships.
Geography: Zeniff’s description once again reinforces the image of the terrain between Nephi and Zarahemla as physically challenging, even treacherous. Even though Zeniff has made the trip three times (from Nephi to Zarahemla with Mosiah1, then a round trip with the expedition), he and his people still “wander” through it, as will Limhi’s later search party. They suffer “famine and sore afflictions” as they travel through this land.