The success of the Nephites at this point created a new problem and that was the task of being overwhelmed with the tremendous number of prisoners. Of course if the prisoners attacked their guards they could be slain but that was something the Nephites were anxious to avoid. It was decided therefore to send a huge body of prisoners to Zarahemla where they could be put to work fortifying the cities in that region. A goodly number of Nephite soldiers were sent to guard the prisoners en route to Zarahemla. All of this is described in the next four verses.