As we have seen repeatedly in the Book of Mormon, wickedness can have no fellowship with righteousness. The rebellious have no stomach for those who submit to God’s will. Frequently, those who shun the light do all they can to expel from their midst and even destroy the children of light.The wicked Zoramites-whose eyes and hearts have been turned aside by their idolatries, their worldly treasures-here move to rid themselves of the poorer element of the society who had opened themselves to the power of the word preached by Alma and Amulek.
As with the experience of Paul, their apostolic colleague on another continent, their proclamation of the truth destroys the craft of those who prey upon the innocent and unwary (see Acts 19:25). But the Lord is merciful and is eager to deliver his chosen people (see 1 Nephi 1:20), and provision is made by the people of Ammon to protect the lives of and give succor to the new converts to Christianity.