Pahoran had been considering whether or not he should engage in civil war. Even though Moroni’s epistle had been erroneously directed against him, Pahoran recognized in Moroni’s logic the justification for the assault on Zarahemla. In verse 20 he notes: “But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them.” (italics added). Pahoran accepts Moroni’s reasoning of the justness of fighting one’s own people for the sake of the law of God, and therefore he calls Moroni to assist him in doing just that. At the same time, Pahoran also recognizes that Moroni has been doing great service in defending the eastern border, so Pahoran specifically notes that this process of strengthening the line of defense should continue under Lehi and Teancum, who are Moroni’s trusted generals.
Redaction: Where Moroni’s last epistle (chapter 60) has the hallmarks of a letter written in passion, and without careful planning, this letter appears to be quite well crafted. It rapidly allays Moroni’s fears, and then explains the problem in terms that echo Moroni’s analysis but place Pahoran on Moroni’s side. The final call for a joint effort at redemption is also well thought out in that it also provides for the continued defense of the eastern front. It would appear that when Moroni’s letter arrived, Pahoran took time to understand it, and to craft a response. This is a very calm and conciliatory letter. Pahoran is careful not to demonstrate any personal hurt he might have felt with Moroni’s harsh (and false) accusation. He skips over the personal insult almost as though it did not matter, and focuses on the important aspects of the situation.
Textual: The end of this epistle signals the end of a chapter. This follows the general trend in Mormon’s chapter creation. In this case, both the change in the person of focus and the change from an inserted text trigger the change in chapters.