This is a great change from two years earlier when Helaman and his small band of two thousand arrived in Judea. When they arrived, they found the army of Antipus discouraged and on the verge of desperation (see Alma 56:16). Now they have defeated one of the strongest of the Lamanite armies, have retaken Antiparah without bloodshed, and have received six thousand troops from Zarahemla along with provisions. They begin the twenty ninth year with greater strength, greater confidence, and greater optimism.