“Ammon Smites off the Enemys Arms”

Monte S. Nyman

Ammon must have been an accomplished warrior with good athletic skills. Of course he was blessed with added power from the Lord, but he slew seven men and smote off not a few men’s arms (vv. 37–38). He also drove many afar off (v. 39). These odds must have been at least one man against fifteen or twenty. Those whom he defeated were also accomplished warriors since they had been making a practice of scattering flocks for some time (see v. 28). As will be seen in chapter 18 of Alma, Ammon was not with the other servants when they carried the amputated arms unto the king as a testimony of their victory (v. 39). Their fear of being slain was now turned to confidence and probably jubilance as they reported their experiences to the king.

Book of Mormon Commentary: The Record of Alma

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