1 AND now it came to pass that as Alma was journeying from the land of Gideon southward, away to the land of Manti, behold, to his astonishment, he met with the sons of Mosiah journeying towards the land of Zarahemla.

2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; [ This will be the reward as we meet all of the young men and young woman that were a part of the Westfield ward. Our joy will be that they have continued to wax strong in their knowledge of the truth. ] for they were men of a sound understanding [ What does this suggest that they were of sound understanding? This sound understanding came from being taught by the spirit - the truth which is beyond the capacity of man. sound also means strong - So they were solid in their understanding - it was immovable as it was build upon the principle of revelation - upon this rock. sound understanding of what? The principles of the gospel; they knew beyond measure that it was true. ] and they had searched the scriptures diligently, [ How can we be diligent in searching the scriptures? Note that they were not diligent in reading their scriptures, they were diligent in searching; in search for the spirit to teach them as they studied them; as they sought to understand and to learn of them through the spirit. Alma 14:1What was the source of their sound understanding? It was because they had taken the time to study the scriptures. They were not casual in reading a little here and a little there; but they studied them diligently. They had a spiritual experience in the scriptures each day. Howard W. Hunter: “To understand requires more than casual reading or perusal—there must be concentrated study....Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference...The important thing is to allow nothing else to ever interfere with our study....There are some who read to a schedule of a number of pages or a set number of chapters each day or week....It is better to have a set amount of time to give scriptural study each day than to have a set amount of chapters to read. sometimes we find that the study of a single verse will occupy the whole time.” (Ensign, Nov. 1979, pp. 64-5 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, pp. 279-80) Joseph Smith: “Search the scriptures- search the revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to his glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instruction from Him that made them, they know how He will save and learn what portion of them belongs to you.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 11) Thomas S. Monson: “May I suggest...a formula (in missionary work) that will ensure your success: Search the scriptures with diligence!...Your confidence will be directly related to your knowledge of God’s word. Oh...I am sure you have heard of some missionaries who were lazy, less than effective, and anxious for their missions to conclude. A careful examination of such instances will reveal that the actual culprit is not laziness, nor disinterest, but is the foe known as fear. Our Father chastised such: ‘...with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man (DC 60:2).’” (Conference Reports, Oct. 1969, pp. 93-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 279) Ezra Taft Benson: “We should make daily study of the scriptures a lifetime pursuit...The most important (thing) you can do...is to immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently...Learn the doctrine. Master the principles...You must...see that...searching the scriptures is not a burden laid upon (us) by the Lord, but a marvelous blessing and opportunity.” (Ensign, Nov. 1986, p. 47 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 280)] that they might know the word of God.

3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; [ Secret to getting the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Fasting is a principle of power. As one fasts and as the body grows weaker, one becomes ever more aware of the need for physical and spiritual sustenance, for those things which both strengthen the body and enliven the soul. Fasting leads to a consciousness of victory over self, victory over the flesh, victory over the appetites, and thus to that quiet confidence which we know as spirituality. DCBM, 3:124 Spencer W. Kimball: failing to fast is a sin. In the 58th chapter of Isaiah, rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. Freedom from frustrations, freedom from thralldom, and the blessing of peace are promised. Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings. Miracle of Forgiveness, 98. David O. McKay: All the principles associated with fasting seem to point to the fact that it produces (1) physical benefits; (2) intellectual activity; and (3) spiritual strength....The greatest of all benefits—the spiritual strength derived by the subjection of physical appetite to the will of the individual. "He who reigns within himself, and rules passions, desires, and fears, is more than a king." It was with the thought in mind of gaining spiritual strength that James, the psychologist, made this suggestion: "To do each day something which you do not like to do." If there were no other virtue in fasting but gaining strength of character, that alone would be sufficient justification for its universal acceptance. Gospel Ideals: Selections from the Discourses of David O. McKay, 209-210.) therefore they had the spirit of prophecy (how we work in the church. ] therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, [ How was this possible? It was because they had made the effort to do more than read; but to search the scriptures; to learn from the spirit; and as they were taught by the spirit they learn how they should also teach; as they did so they had immense power from God. ] and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

4 And they had been teaching the word of God *for the space of fourteen years among the Lamanites, having had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words many were brought before the altar of God, to call on his name and confess their sins before him.

5 Now these are the circumstances which attended them in their journeyings, for they had many afflictions; they did suffer much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue, and also much labor in the spirit.

6 Now these were their journeyings: Having taken leave of their father, Mosiah, in the first year of the judges; [ Which was about 14 years ago. ] having refused the kingdom which their father was desirous to confer upon them, and also this was the minds of the people;

7 Nevertheless they departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and took their swords, and their spears, and their bows, and their arrows, and their slings; and this they did that they might provide food for themselves while in the wilderness. [ So is he saying that they took their weapons only for hunting? Or is he noting that they had different weapons for war which they left behind? ]

8 And thus they departed into the wilderness with their numbers which they had selected, to go up to the land of Nephi, to preach the word of God unto the Lamanites.

9 And it came to pass that they journeyed many days in the wilderness, and they fasted much and prayed much that the Lord would grant unto them a portion of his Spirit to go with them, [ This was not an easy mission to which they were on. Do you suppose that the fasting was for confirmation that they were doing the Lords will; and if so that he would be with them; both with his spirit to deliver their message as well as to protect them? ] and abide with them, that they might be an instrument in the hands of God to bring, if it were possible, their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth, [ They were fasting for a very specific purpose. ] to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct.

10 And it came to pass that the Lord did visit them with his Spirit, and said unto them: Be comforted. And they were comforted.

11 And the Lord said unto them also: Go forth among the Lamanites, thy brethren, and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, [ To strike down or cast down - being downcast  or brought low humbled in body~ mind~ or spirit  including tribulation~ adversity~ calamity~ distress~ grief~ trouble~ trial or sorrow- evidence of divine chastisement. ] that ye may show forth good examples unto them in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.

12 And it came to pass that the hearts of the sons of Mosiah, and also those who were with them, [ The only ones who were specifically referenced in the ensuing account were Molokai and Ammah. see Alma 21:11. ] took courage to go forth unto the Lamanites to declare unto them the word of God. [ ]

13 And it came to pass when they had arrived in the borders of the land of the Lamanites, that they separated themselves and departed one from another, trusting in the Lord that they should meet again at the close of their harvest; for they supposed that great was the work which they had undertaken.

14 And assuredly it was great, for they had undertaken to preach the word of God to a wild and a hardened and a ferocious people; a people who delighted in murdering the Nephites, and robbing and plundering them; and their hearts were set upon riches, or upon gold and silver, and precious stones; yet they sought to obtain these things by murdering and plundering, that they might not labor for them with their own hands. [ The root of so much evil, those that do not have something, those who do not labor just want it to be given to them, or they will just take what they want. What is the problem with this kind of thought, not having to labor for something with your own hands? One of the first things that comes to my mind is that you place some value on something that you labored to create or accomplish. Far more respect for the process I suppose than someone who simply takes what they want with little or no work for it. ]

15 Thus they were a very indolent people, many of whom did worship idols, and the curse of God had fallen upon them because of the traditions of their fathers; notwithstanding the promises of the Lord were extended unto them on the conditions of repentance.

16 Therefore, this was the cause for which the sons of Mosiah had undertaken the work, that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance; that perhaps they might bring them to know of the plan of redemption.

17 Therefore they separated themselves one from another, and went forth among them, every man alone, according to the word and power of God which was given unto him.

18 Now Ammon being the chief among them, or rather he did administer unto them, and he departed from them, after having blessed them according to their several stations, [ After they were set apart. ] having imparted the word of God unto them, or administered unto them before his departure; and thus they took their several journeys throughout the land.

19 And Ammon went to the land of Ishmael, the land being called after the sons of Ishmael, who also became Lamanites.

20 And as Ammon entered the land of Ishmael, the Lamanites took him and bound him, as was their custom to bind all the Nephites who fell into their hands, and carry them before the king; and thus it was left to the pleasure of the king to slay them, or to retain them in captivity, or to cast them into prison, or to cast them out of his land, according to his will and pleasure.

21 And thus Ammon was carried before the king who was over the land of Ishmael; and his name was Lamoni; and he was a descendant of Ishmael. [ Lamoni was probably a direct descendant from Ishmael which entitled him to be king. This is the same Ishmael who went with Lehi and his family. The daughters of Ishmael were among the first to defect from Lehi and Nephi and become Lamanites. ]

22 And the king inquired of Ammon if it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people. [ Why do you suppose that the king would have bothered to ask such a question to begin with? The King would have had an idea already that the answer would most likely be that Ammon being a Nephite perceived himself as being better than the Laminites; as such would have said I would not stoop to live among such lowly people. Then the king could use that reference to do what ever he wished and the people would have loved him for it. The response however was very different; which would have taken the king back - to think this man is definitely different from other Nephites. How does our view of others effect our missionary work? Then when he wants to be his servant which would have been even farther below the attitude of a Nephite - well how could the king not love him? ]

23 And Ammon said unto him: Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die.

24 And it came to pass that king Lamoni was much pleased with Ammon, and caused that his bands should be loosed; and he would that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife. [ What would the purpose of this be for the King? 1) He could be testing Ammon to see how serious he is in committing to stay there. 2) He was so impressed with Ammon that he wants to give him first choice of his daughters to keep him in the family 3) His daughters are so homely that he try's to pass them off and get them married as soo as he can - maybe he will catch Ammon in a position of not wanting to upset the king and thereby get one of his daughters married off. Maybe before Ammon see them. ]

25 But Ammon said unto him: Nay, but I will be thy servant. [ First I think that accepting to take one of the kings daughters to wife site unseen is a big ask. So Ammon is very wise in suggesting that he could just be a servant to the King. What are the possible downfalls fo taking one of the Kings daughters to wife? Compatability with culture, different views on religion, her disposition possibly, would she still allow Ammon to complete his assignment from the Lord? Lots of things that could go wrong for Ammon with such a decision. What are some possible opportunities that could be had with Ammon being married to the King's daughter? We get a glimpse into the King and arranged marriage which is part of their culture. The fact that the king did not slay Ammon for not taking one of his daughters to wife after the king had suggested it makes us wonder did everyone have the opportunity to say no to the arranged marriage? Or did King Lamoni simple not no what to so with Ammon who always knew the right things to say? It might also suggest that Ammon is single as he makes no mention to the king Lamoni that he is married as the reason why he cannot take one of the kings daughters to wife. ] Therefore Ammon became a servant to king Lamoni. And it came to pass that he was set among other servants to watch the flocks of Lamoni, according to the custom of the Lamanites.

26 And after he had been in the service of the king three days, as he was with the Lamanitish servants going forth with their flocks to the place of water, which was called the water of Sebus, [ suggesting that while there may have been a great many places with which to allow the sheep to graze the number of places to water the sheep were very limited. Hence it would be a very strategic place to wait to plunder sheep from others. ] and all the Lamanites drive their flocks hither, that they may have water—

27 Therefore, as Ammon and the servants of the king were driving forth their flocks to this place of water, behold, a certain number of the Lamanites, who had been with their flocks to water, stood and scattered the flocks of Ammon and the servants of the king, and they scattered them insomuch that they fled many ways.

28 Now the servants of the king began to murmur, saying: Now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren because their flocks were scattered by the wickedness of these men. [ Why would the king have slayed his shepherd's? Well he wanted them to fight for the sheep with their life. If the shepherd knew they were going to die if they did not defend the flock then they may as well die in the process of defending the flock. ] And they began to weep exceedingly, saying: Behold, our flocks are scattered already. [ Hugh Nibley: “After the flocks of the king ‘scattered . . . and fled many ways," the servants lamented that as a matter of course, "now the king will slay us, as he has our brethren’ (Alma 17:28). And they began to weep. What insanity is this, the king kills his own servants for losing a contest that had been acted out before? In fact, ‘it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of Sebus and scatter the flocks of the people,’ keeping what they could for themselves, ‘it being a practice of plunder among them’ (Alma 18:7). So it was no secret to anyone; this was not an ambush but something to be expected. But the king's own flocks? Didn't he have enough men to protect them if this happened regularly? Well, for one thing the Lamanites played the game for sport; it was more than meat that they were after, for ‘they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king’ (Alma 17:35). The fun of it was their main interest, but Ammon spoiled the fun when he ‘stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling.’ They were outraged.” (The Prophetic Book of Mormon, pp. 539- 40) ]

29 Now they wept because of the fear of being slain. Now when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words.

30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren. [ Suggesting that he had one of the principle requirements for good missionaries - that is to LOVE those whom you are called to serve. They were consider to be his brethern. ]

31 And it came to pass that he flattered them by his words, saying: My brethren, be of good cheer [ Robert D. Hales: “What did Ammon say? ‘Be of good cheer’ (Alma 17:31). Now, we may read this as a story about some shepherd trying to round up some missing sheep, but the message is much more powerful and significant than that....Ammon not only led the force to recapture the sheep, he drove away the evil men who caused the problems; and his heroic efforts persuaded the king to follow him and to follow the Savior. Ammon teaches us that no matter our circumstances, we can be an example to others, we can lift them, we can inspire them to seek righteousness, and we can bear testimony to all of the power of Jesus Christ.” (Ensign, May 1997. p. 82 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 283)] and let us go in search of the flocks, [ How does Ammon respond? Don't sit there and mop about your troubles; set a good attitude - one that you can go do something about the situtation and then go do something about it - get up off your butt and go change things for a positive outcome. Remember with God all things are possible. ] and we will gather them together and bring them back unto the place of water; and thus we will preserve the flocks unto the king and he will not slay us.

32 And it came to pass that they went in search of the flocks, and they did follow Ammon, and they rushed forth with much swiftness and did head the flocks of the king, and did gather them together again to the place of water.

33 And those men again stood to scatter their flocks; but Ammon said unto his brethren: Encircle the flocks round about that they flee not; and I go and contend with these men who do scatter our flocks.

34 Therefore, they did as Ammon commanded them, and he went forth and stood to contend with those who stood by the waters of Sebus; and they were in number not a few.

35 Therefore they did not fear Ammon, for they supposed that one of their men could slay him according to their pleasure, for they knew not that the Lord had promised Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; [ These men were evil - they were fully aware that the shepherds would lose their life if they lost sheep. As a matter of fat they delighted in the fact that because of their actions the shepherds would be killed. This is importnat to understand as it really leaves Ammon not choice but to weald the sword and do as he does. ] and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king.

36 But Ammon stood forth and began to cast stones at them with his sling; yea, with mighty power he did sling stones amongst them; and thus he slew a certain number of them insomuch that they began to be astonished at his power; [ so what happens when you start to loose a fight? You start to play dirty or at least you recognize that we cannot continue to fight the same way. So the men seeing that Ammon is much better with the sling than they are decide to move the fight up a notch and bring their clubs in hand to hand battle. ] nevertheless they were angry because of the slain of their brethren, and they were determined that he should fall; therefore, seeing that they could not hit him with their stones, they came forth with clubs to slay him.

37 But behold, every man that lifted his club to smite Ammon, he smote off their arms with his sword; [ Ammon had a technological edge (ha ha) in this fight. Note that he only inflicted the punishment to those who came at him. ] for he did withstand their blows by smiting their arms with the edge of his sword, insomuch that they began to be astonished, and began to flee before him; yea, and they were not few in number; and he caused them to flee by the strength of his arm. [ To which Ammon defines where his strength comes from in vs 35. The Lord had promised him that he would deliver him out of the hands of their enemies. ]

38 Now six of them had fallen by the sling, but he slew none save it were their leader with his sword; [ Ammon killed only the leader with the his sword. He did not slay the others who lifted their clubs against him. At least they were not dead at this time I suppose that a good many could have died later from a loss of blood or infection. Either way Ammon did not chase after them but was only on the defensive. ] and he smote off as many of their arms as were lifted against him, and they were not a few.

39 And when he had driven them afar off, he returned and they watered their flocks and returned them to the pasture of the king, and then went in unto the king, bearing the arms which had been smitten off by the sword of Ammon, [ Was this there way of saying there is not way the king or anyone will believe this story without some proof - So bring the arms with us to show the king that they will believe us.] of those who sought to slay him; and they were carried in unto the king for a testimony of the things which they had done.