Reading verses 8 and 9 as a single passage clarifies that the “joy” was caused by resolving the conflict between the need for soldiers and the oath against taking up arms. The sons’ enlistment provided that resolution. The nation may be defended without violating a sacred oath.
Geography: In Sorenson’s mapping of the Book of Mormon cities, Judea would lie upstream from Zarahemla, connected by a pass to the city of Antiparah. While not on a direct line between Zarahemla and Manti, it was too strongly defended to be bypassed by Lamanite invaders. Thus, these young men are being sent into the first fortified post immediately behind the front lines. This area is critical because the Lamanites are coming through the valleys from the south and west, their way blocked primarily by Judea.
Chronology: The twenty-sixth year would be approximately 68 B.C. The introduction to this event is found in Alma 53:10–22.