The Nephites were completely surrounded by their enemies. In this desperate situation, Lachoneus, the chief judge and president of the Church, went out among the people and prophesied what would happen to the people if they continued their wicked ways and lost the war. Lachoneus then taught the people how to plead with the Lord for their deliverance. Meanwhile he had every man clad in strong armor and taught the people how to handle the weapons of war.