“Preparing for War”

Brant Gardner

Even though this Lamanite invasion is very serious, as witnessed by their unprecedented success, Mormon treats the subject tersely, almost perfunctorily. This description lacks anything like the complexity of detail he recorded in the latter part of the book of Alma. Mormon is still interested in war, of course, but he is not currently interested in the personalities of those involved—in great leaders like Moroni, Lehi, Teancum, and Helaman1. Here, Mormon finds no personal story compelling, so his account of the conflict is sparse. The importance of these battles is their aftermath.

Second Witness: Analytical & Contextual Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 5

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