History: Apparently Alma and his people were in Helam long enough to build a city, “multiply,” and also “prosper exceedingly.” There is no way to know how much time elapsed, but it strongly suggests a minimum of two years, though it could easily have been more. Additionally, a year or two could have passed from the third Lamanite victory over the Limhites to their decision to flee under Ammon’s guidance. Since all of these events occurred in Helam prior to the flight of Limhi’s people, sufficient time had to have passed for the building, multiplying, and prospering to take place.
Variant: The printer’s manuscript repeats “Helaman” here, which was corrected prior to the first printed edition to “Helam.” (See commentary accompanying Mosiah 18:12.)