Pahoran had been considering the righteousness of engaging in the civil war launched by the king-men and had obviously sought inspiration about whether the Nephites should, in fact, surrender to the Lamanites. He had received a negative answer from Yahweh, and the rest of his answer had come in Moroni’s energetic epistle justifying an assault on Zarahemla. He quotes Moroni: “But ye have said, except they repent the Lord hath commanded you that ye should go against them” (v. 20). Pahoran accepts Moroni’s logic in attacking one’s own people for the sake of Yahweh’s law, and therefore he calls Moroni to assist him in doing just that.
At the same time, Pahoran also recognizes that Moroni has been doing a great service in defending the eastern border, so Pahoran specifically notes that keeping the defenses strong should continue under Lehi and Teancum, Moroni’s trusted captains.
Redaction: While Moroni’s epistle (ch. 60) has the hallmarks of a letter written in passion and without careful planning, Pahoran’s answer appears to be quite well crafted. It rapidly allays Moroni’s fears, then explains the problem in terms that echo Moroni’s analysis but put Pahoran and Moroni firmly on the same side. The citations from Moroni’s letter are calculated to both redirect and justify Mormon’s indignation. Pahoran’s call for a joint effort is well thought out, also providing for the eastern front’s continued defense. When Moroni’s letter arrived, Pahoran took time to draft a calm and conciliatory response. Pahoran expresses no resentment or personal hurt he might have felt over Moroni’s harsh (and false) accusation. He refers to the personal insult almost as though it did not matter, instead focusing on the important point: resolving the situation decisively and quickly.
Reference: Verse 21 echoes the language of Galatians 5:1: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Text: The end of this epistle signals the end of a chapter, continuing to follow the general trend in how Mormon organizes his chapters. In this case, both the change in the speaker and the end of a quoted text trigger the chapter break.