Ammoron by resorting to the traditions of the Lamanites in his reply (vv. 17–18; 21–22), shows his total rejection of his religion, his culture, and his God. His acceptance of Moroni’s offer to exchange prisoners (v. 20) reflects a condition of desperation that was probably brought on by the Lamanites previous defeats. His claim to be a descendant of Zoram may have been true since Zoram was numbered with the Nephites and given all the blessings of Nephi (see 2 Nephi 1:31–32). It may also have been made up as an excuse for his joining the Lamanites. His denial of God and the devil (vv. 21–22) is another cause of war, a precept given by Mormon earlier (see Alma 50:21).