The Nephites’ love for their converted brethren of the Lamanites was demonstrated by the protection they furnished for them (vv. 11–12). The sacredness of an oath among these Israelite people is again shown by Helaman and his brethren persuading the converts to not break their oath (vv. 14–15). The young sons calling themselves Nephites (v. 16) takes us back to the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. As suggested in volume 3 of this work, the name probably refers to following the mirror or image of Nephi and Lehi (see vol. 3 Alma 23:17–18 and commentary). These young sons were just as devout in their willingness to fight for their liberty as their fathers had been in refraining to fight (v. 17). Both of their dedications were ruled by the situation. The parents were not merely opposed to war, but were concerned for their eternal lives (v. 11 see also Alma 24:12–16). The young soldiers were governed by their love for liberty (Alma 53:17).