The Spirit of the Lord led Aaron to the father of King Lamoni (v. 1) because the king had already been prepared by his previous encounter with Ammon. The king had invited Ammon and his brethren to come to him (see Alma 20:8–27). Ammon had undoubtedly told Aaron of the invitation, but Aaron did not know the way and thus had to be led by the Spirit not only to the land, but to the king’s house.
Aaron followed the same approach to the king as Ammon had to King Lamoni; he said, we will be thy servants (see Alma 17:25). The chief king was anticipating their arrival, but was disappointed that Ammon was not with them. He wanted to know more about what he had learned from Ammon (Alma 22:2–3). Aaron’s reply of the Spirit leading Ammon another way, prompted another opportunity for Aaron to begin to teach the king. He wanted to know about the Spirit, and also about repentance (vv. 4–6).
The Book of Mormon gives us guidelines for every aspect of missionary work. The king is what we would call an agnostic today. He did not deny there was a God, but did not know if there was one (v. 7). Aaron followed the same approach as Ammon to King Lamoni. He bore testimony by the spirit of prophecy, the testimony of Jesus (v. 8; see Revelation 19:10, Alma 17:3) and of his being the creator of all things (Alma 22:10). The king accepted his testimony (vv. 8–11). The spirit of revelation had touched him since he believed.