In Alma 53:8 Mormon uses a unique directional-geographical term, "the west sea south." One might wonder why Mormon didn't just use the term "southward" here, or why Mormon doesn't ever use the companion term "west sea north." Should the term be understood as "West Sea south" or "west Sea South"? There is a good probability here that Mormon is pinpointing borders that strategically separate the Nephites from the Lamanites. If Zarahemla's west border went to the sea and occupied quite a few miles of seashore (north to south), then in this verse, Mormon could be trying to pinpoint the southern end of the west sea borders, or in other words, the southwest corner of the general land of Zarahemla. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes]
Mormon Reviews the History on the West Sea
In Alma 53:8-22 Mormon takes time in his narrative of the events on the east coast in the 28th year to relate the circumstances happening on the west coast as a consequence of Ammoron departing out of the land of Zarahemla (on the east coast), gathering a large army as he moved, and marching forth against the Nephites on the borders by the west sea (see Alma 52:12-13). One should be aware that these events on the west sea actually started in the 26th year, however Mormon has been relating events that have happened on borders of the land by the east sea. Thus, Mormon is going back in time. The reader should note that in Alma 56:1 we find that Mormon inserts a more detailed history of this west coast campaign by including a letter that Helaman sent to Moroni. [Alan C. Miner, Personal Notes] [See Appendix A--Chronology]
Alma 53 8-22: ([Illustration]) Mormon reviews the war on the west sea south--Helaman has marched with his 2000