Andrew Skinner notes that Alma appointed another in his stead as chief judge and “confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word,” all of which came by the spirit of revelation and prophecy. (Alma 4:20) As we learn, “this he did … that he might pull down by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them” (Alma 4:19).
Some might agree that pure testimony is a declaration of unconditional truth, unadulterated and uncorrupted by worldly, extraneous or superfluous matters. But Alma helps us to see that it is even more focused than that. The word pure derives from the Latin purus, which not only has the meaning of “clear, plain and absolute” (especially in law) but also “clean, cleansing and purifying.”
The doctrine of Christ is plain, clear, and absolute, and his mission cleansing or purifying in its effect. Hence, at the heart of all pure testimony is the Savior, his mission and atonement, his redeeming love, his invitation to come and partake of all good things, and the doctrine of repentance. [Andrew C. Skinner, “Alma‘s ’Pure Testimony,’” in Studies in Scripture: Book of Mormon, Part 1, pp. 295-296]
Alma 4:20 Alma delivered up the judgment seat to Nephihah (Illustration): Chart: [Nephihah as Chief Judge and] “Alma as High Priest: Years 9-19 of the Reign of the Judges.” [John W. & J. Gregory Welch, Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching, F.A.R.M.S., Chart #35]
Alma 4:20 Alma … confined himself wholly to the high priesthood (Illustration): Chart: [Helaman as High Priest and] “Nephihah as Chief Judge: Years 19-24 of the Reign of the Judges.” [John W. & J. Gregory Welch, Charting the Book of Mormon: Visual Aids for Personal Study and Teaching, F.A.R.M.S., Chart #36