Mormon had led them to a position where they had been able to do what apparently seemed nearly impossible in the very first instance that the Nephites faced the Lamanites and Gadiantons. They were able to stop the Lamanite advance. However, the key to doing this was Mormon’s particular defensive position. When the Nephites made the decision to ignore what had made them successful and believe in a prowess that Mormon does not believe that they have, Mormon declines to lead an army who was insisting on a course of action that was counter to his advice and judgment.