In the original text, this passage uses the verb lay where prescriptive grammar mandates lie. Joseph Smith, in his editing for the 1837 edition, substituted lie for lay, but the critical text will restore the original lay. As discussed under 2 Nephi 9:7, modern English speakers frequently use the historically transitive lay in place of the intransitive lie. Another instance of this is found in the original text for Omni 1:30: “and I am about to lay down in my grave”. Also see the discussion under lay in volume 3.
Summary: Restore the original lay in Alma 24:23; such usage is common in English.