“I Go Against Them”

Alan C. Miner

Moroni laments the fact that he can't come to the aid of Teancum in the land Bountiful. His reason for not doing so is that "the Lamanites are upon us in the borders of the land by the west sea; and behold, I go against them" (Alma 52:11). One might ask, When Moroni uses the phrase "I go against them," does he mean that he is already there "in the borders of the land by the west sea," going to go there, or does he mean that he has the responsibility as chief captain over all the army (Alma 61:2) to see that a proper defense is made "in the borders of the land by the west sea"? And where is Moroni writing his letter from at this time? If chief captain Moroni did actually go to the west coast, and was actually involved in the battles, why didn't Helaman mention anything about this in his letter to Moroni? (see Alma 56) [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See the commentary on Alma 52:15]

Step by Step Through the Book of Mormon: A Cultural Commentary

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