“The Work of Helaman and His Brethren”

Monte S. Nyman

The work of Helaman and his brethren is again recognized by Mormon as he abridges (v. 19). Although war and threats of war continued, there was a four-year period within the land of Zarahemla where the church was prospering (vv. 20–22). The latter end of the nineteenth year of the reign of the judges is described in Alma 49. Thus the entire coverage of the Nephite record of this year is covered in Alma 45:20–49:30.

The sad summary of the end of the nineteenth year, the premature deaths of those unprepared to meet God and the barbarous cruelty of the apostate Nephites (Alma 48:23–24), is somewhat offset by the faith and commitment of the faithful among the Nephites.

The effects of one righteous man’s leadership is likewise illustrated below.

Book of Mormon Commentary: The Record of Alma

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