Captain Moroni was not guilty of the first offense according to the law of war (Alma 43:46; D&C 98:34). His speech to his captive audience included several important declarations relative to the law of war. First, the Nephites did not desire to shed blood, the Lamanites had initiated the war (D&C 98:34). Second, they did not want to bring the Lamanites into bondage, which was the Lamanite design of the war (Alma 44:2). The third point was about God and his people, certainly the most important declaration of all (vv. 2–4). Captain Moroni recognized that the Lord had fought the battle as the law of war promised (D&C 98:37). He testified of the truth of the Nephite religion, and because of their faith in that religion, with which the Lamanites were angry, and their faith in Christ, the Nephites had been supported (Alma 44:2–5). Certainly Alma or Captain Moroni had brought their testimonies before the Lord (D&C 98:35). Captain Moroni, who had the spirit of revelation and prophecy (see 3 Nephi 3:19), commanded Zarahemnah in the name of the all-powerful God who had strengthened them to lay down their weapons (Alma 44:5–6). Does this not strongly imply that God had commanded Alma or Captain Moroni to go to war against the Lamanites as the law of war promised (D&C 98:36)? Last of all, Captain Moroni threatened Zarahemnah that he would resume the wounds of death if the standards of peace were rejected (Alma 44:7). He demanded an unconditional surrender. This was no political or economic war, but a war for the Lord and the freedom of his people. There must be no compromise with the devil and his servants.