According to Richard Rust, imagery patterns in the Book of Mormon are important indexes to deep meanings. . . . Indeed, some of our deepest responses to truth are through feelings. By stepping back and looking at imagery in the Book of Mormon as a whole, we can discover patterns hidden beneath the surface that increase the meaning and force of the book. . . . Moving from darkness to light gives concrete meaning to the process of redemption. In his dream-journey, Lehi travels in darkness for many hours before being brought, through the mercy of the Lord, to the tree of life with its white fruit of the Savior's atonement and love (1 Nephi 8:8-11; 11:8-24). While unconscious, Lamoni enters into a dark condition but arises from it enlighted:
Ammon knew that king Lamoni was under the power of God; he knew that the dark veil of unbelief was being cast away from his mind, and the light which did light up his mind, which was the light of the glory of God, which was a marvelous light of his goodness--yea, this light had infused such joy into this soul, the cloud of darkness having been dispelled, and that the light of everlasting life was lit up in his soul, yea, he knew that this had overcome his natural frame, and he was carried away in God. (Alma 19:6)
[Richard D. Rust, Feasting on the Word, pp. 171, 175]
Alma 19:8 He said unto the queen: He is not dead, but he sleepeth in God ([Illustration]): King Lamoni under the Power of God. Artist: Ronald Crosby. [L.D.S., The Ensign, February 1977, inside back cover]