The next eight chapters (8–15) take place in the tenth year of the reign of the judges. Alma’s visit to the land of Gideon was on the east side of the river Sidon. After his rest in Zarahemla, which was on the west side of the river, Alma continued on the west side. Alma’s work in the land of Melek is briefly mentioned (Alma 8:3–4), but very successful (v. 5).
Leaving the land of Melek, he traveled three days to the north, which was apparently still on the west side of the river. There is no obvious reason why Alma inserts the custom of naming the cities after those who first possessed them (v. 7).