In the year 66 BC, Helaman and his intrepid little army reach the city of Judea to assist Antipus, who is in charge of the people in that part of the land (verse 9). The Lamanites under their general, Ammoron, have taken over and now occupy many Nephite cities—including Manti, Zeezrom, Cumeni, and Antiparah—and are determined also to overpower Judea. In the major engagement that ensues, the Nephites are victorious, but Antipus perishes in the battle. He can be remembered as a fearless patriot and brilliant military strategist who gives his life for the sake of freedom and right.
Yea, and they were depressed in body as well as in spirit, for they had fought valiantly by day and toiled by night to maintain their cities; and thus they had suffered great afflictions of every kind.
And now they [the Lamanites] were determined to conquer in this place or die; therefore you may well suppose that this little force which I brought with me, yea, those sons of mine, gave them great hopes and much joy. (verses 16–17)
Antipus is indeed overjoyed at arrival of the sorely needed reinforcements, for his losses at the hands of the Lamanites have been great. The parents of the stripling warriors also send more supplies, plus additional troops arrive from Zarahemla. With the strengthening of Judea, Ammoron and his hordes dare not venture forth against the Nephites there. To lure the Lamanites out of their stronghold at Antiparah, Antipus orders Helaman and his young warriors to venture past that city as if en route to a city beyond. The Lamanites take the bait and pursue the army of Helaman in a northerly direction. Soon, the army of Antipus comes up in the rear of the Lamanites. There are thus three armies moving linearly, one after another, at high speed, not thinking it prudent to veer to the left or the right. On the morning of the third day of flight (punctuated with nocturnal encampments), the circumstances prompt Helaman to make a decision. Since the Lamanites have now halted, he does not know if they are waiting for an attack from Helaman or if Antipus has already engaged them. He says to his young warriors: