Alma reiterates the governing formula of what might be referred to as the divine “promised land covenant” that has been in effect from the beginning of the Book of Mormon account: the obedient will prosper in the land; the disobedient will lose the land and be cut off from the presence of the Lord (see also 1 Nephi 2:20–21; 2 Nephi 1:20; Jacob 2:29; Mosiah 1:7; Alma 36:30; 50:20; Helaman 3:20).