Gid and the Prisoners

Prisoner Revolt

Alma 57:30–31

As Gid and his men escort the Lamanite prisoners back to Zarahemla, they meet some Nephite spies who warn them of approaching Lamanite troops.

Behold, we did start to go down to the land of Zarahemla with our prisoners. And it came to pass that we did meet the spies of our armies, who had been sent out to watch the camp of the Lamanites. And they cried unto us, saying,

“Behold, the armies of the Lamanites are marching towards the city of Cumeni; and behold, they will fall upon them, yea, and will destroy our people.”

Alma 57:32

When the prisoners hear that more Lamanites are coming, they are emboldened, and start a revolt.

And it came to pass that our prisoners did hear their cries, which caused them to take courage; and they did rise up in rebellion against us.

Alma 57:33

In order to contain the revolt, the prisoner escorts kill a large number of prisoners, and the remaining prisoners escape.

And it came to pass because of their rebellion we did cause that our swords should come upon them. And it came to pass that they did in a body run upon our swords, in the which, the greater number of them were slain; and the remainder of them broke through and fled from us.

Alma 57:34

Gid turns around to chase the escaped prisoners, and in his pursuit runs into Helaman’s army, which is being attacked by the additional Lamanites.

And behold, when they had fled and we could not overtake them, we took our march with speed towards the city Cumeni; and behold, we did arrive in time that we might assist our brethren in preserving the city.

Alma 57:35

Gid recognizes the providence of God.

And behold, we are again delivered out of the hands of our enemies. And blessed is the name of our God; for behold, it is he that has delivered us; yea, that has done this great thing for us.”