Alma’s return with Ammon (v. 25) was undoubtedly a great strengthening influence upon the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. The Nephites calling them “the people of Ammon” was not only in recognition of Ammon, but possibly because it made more sense to them than the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi, just as it does to us today. As explained in the previous chapter, the name was probably a mirror of Nephi and Lehi, but it may not have been widely used or understood in Zarahemla. Perhaps their zealousness, honesty, faith, and degree of conversion (vv. 27–29) also mirrored Ammon whom they desired to recognize. Regardless of the names that distinguished them, the Nephites loved them and the Lord favored them (v. 30). The Lord “loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold he loved our fathers, and he covenanted with them, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (1 Nephi 17:40). The people of Ammon had previously covenanted with God (Alma 24:18), a two-way agreement, and the Lord always keeps his part of the covenant.