“Let Us Put a Stop to the Shedding of So Much Blood”

Brant Gardner

Gideon spells out the plan for ending the war. The Limhites will “fulfil the oath which we have made unto him.” Modern readers may be bemused at the spectacle of the victors concerned primarily with honoring an oath made to the man they have captured and who is completely at their mercy. Furthermore, the honorable fulfillment of the oath will place the Limhites again in “bondage.” Of course, Gideon clearly sees that the military options are restoration of the original bondage or annihilation by the larger army. Nevertheless, the issue is the oath, with all of its consequences.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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