Never in Nephite history had the trade barriers been completely broken down as at this time. As soon as the righteousness of the Lamanites opened up all the Lamanite markets, the Nephite merchants were there to buy and sell. The result was an increase in trade and intercourse with the motive of getting 'gain, according to their desire'. The laws of economics teach that whenever commerce and trade increase, the economy is strengthened. Whenever the economy is strengthened, the merchants benefit. This is precisely what happened among the Nephites. Their increase in trade had strengthened their economy until 'they became exceedingly rich, both the Lamanites and the Nephites' (v. 9).