“They Went Down and Took Possession of the Land of Jershon”

Brant Gardner

Alma returns to the waiting Anti-Nephi-Lehies with Mosiah’s sons. They are waiting to hear the outcome of negotiations about their acceptance and relocation; but Mormon moves quickly past these details to explain that “Alma also related… his conversion.” Why does he do this?

Alma can feel a kinship to these people who have undergone such a great transformation. While his own transformation was perhaps not as drastic as that of the Lamanites-become-believers, nevertheless he stopped fighting against the church and, ultimately, began leading it. It was a story they could relate to. And as chief priest, Alma was welcoming them into the body of believers.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 4

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