One of the great war stories in the Book of Mormon is the account of the 2,000 young warriors who are descendants of Lamanite converts and who fight under the leadership of Helaman in the war between the Lamanites and the Nephites. The parents of these warriors had taken a covenant not to take up arms against their enemies, and Helaman would not allow them to break this covenant. However, the sons of these people had not entered into the covenant; therefore, they were willing to go to battle. Because of their great faith, valor, and courage, these young warriors were protected by the Lord through several battles, and not one lost his life.
This story is frequently told to illustrate the importance of correct teaching in the home and the blessings that come from honoring parents. These young men told Helaman that “they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.” Then they added: “We do not doubt our mothers knew it.” (Alma 56:47-48.)
In a letter to Moroni, Helaman attributes the success and preservation of his warrior sons to the power of God and to their faith: “And we do justly ascribe it [their preservation] to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power.” (Alma 57:26.)