“Now They Wept Because of the Fear of Being Slain”

George Reynolds, Janne M. Sjodahl

On the third day of Ammon's service, one of these raids was made upon the king's cattle as they were being taken to the Waters of Sebus, the common watering place. The cattle fled in all directions, and the dispirited servants, with the fear of death before them, sat down and wept instead of attempting to stay them. Ammon perceived that this was his opportunity. He first reasoned with the servants, then he encouraged them, and having sufficiently aroused their feelings, he led them in an attempt to head off the fleeing herds. With much exertion they succeeded. The cattle were all gathered in one place, but the robbers still waited at the watering place to renew the attack when they drew near enough. Ammon perceiving this, placed the servants at advantageous points on the outside of the flocks and he, himself, went forward to contend with the robbers. Though they were many, Ammon knew that he was more powerful than all of them because God was with him. The idea of one man withstanding so many was supremely ridiculous to the robbers. But as one after another fell before his unerring aim they were astonished and dreaded him as something more than human. Enraged at the loss of six of their number they rushed upon him in a body determined to crush him with their clubs. Ammon, undaunted, drew his sword and awaited the onslaught. Their leader fell dead at his feet, and as one, then another, raised their clubs Ammon struck off their arms until none dared to approach him, but instead retreated afar-off.

It was a strange procession that returned to the palace of the king. The fears of the herdsmen had been turned to joy, and they marched in triumph into his presence. They carried the arms of the robbers with them as testimonials of the truth of their story, and also of Ammon's prowess. Doubtless, they did not diminish the telling points in the narrative; the numbers of the band, and the courage and strength of the Nephite were each dilated upon with the vividness which their superstitious minds invented.

Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 3

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