History: Rather than the typical European model of conquest, plunder, and dispossession, this story reflects the Mesoamerican mode of ending a conflict. It is important to note that the captives were carried back to the land of Nephi, not the city of Lehi-Nephi. Noah and Limhi remained in Lehi-Nephi, but the Lamanites appear to have taken some ranking members of society back to their own lands. In the Mesoamerican context this is exactly as expected. The future of those captives would not be pleasant. (See commentary accompanying Alma 24:9–11.)
In the city of Lehi-Nephi, however, the situation is much better. The city is allowed to continue, with the sole penalty of a heavy annual tribute to the Lamanites.