1 AND now it came to pass that Alma returned from the land of Gideon, after having taught the people of Gideon many things which cannot be written, having established the order of the church, [ Alma has returned home after preaching and organizing the church in Gideon. ] according as he had before done in the land of Zarahemla, yea, he returned to his own house at Zarahemla to rest himself from the labors which he had performed.

2 And thus ended the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi.

3 And it came to pass in the commencement of the *tenth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, [ The chapters from Alma 8–15 all cover only one year, the tenth year of the reign of judges. The report of that year begins in Alma 8:3 and ends in Alma 15:19. That year began with Alma returning to his “own house” in Zarahemla (8:1), followed by a positive church experience in the land of Melek (8:3–6), and it ended with a brief but very successful and gratifying ministry in the land of Sidom (15:1–17) and with Alma taking Amulek “to his own house” in Zarahemla and ministering to him there (15:18). Whereas the cities of Gideon, Melek, and Sidom received Alma’s message very well, Ammonihah totally and violently rejected it. Just as the city of Gideon had provided a contrast with Zarahelma in Alma 5–7, the two receptive cities of Melek and Sidom in the tenth year stand as bookends demonstrating that Alma the Younger was in fact a successful missionary. ] that Alma departed from thence and took his journey over into the land of Melek, on the west of the river Sidon, on the west by the borders of the wilderness.

4 And he began to teach the people in the land of Melek [ Was the City of Melek predisposed to accept Alma’s message? Certain words and names in the Book of Mormon are demonstrably of Hebrew origin. For example, Melek in Hebrew means king. In written Hebrew, vowels are not typically used, thus the name Melek may be linguistically related to Mulek. This could have been a Mulekite city, and because of the close similarity between their names, it could have been a royal city or one in which a king had great influence. A few chapters earlier, Alma the Younger had to fight against the king-men (Alma 2–3). While Amlici’s base of operations is unknown, it is possible that Alma went to the city of Melek specifically because they had preferred the traditional institution of kingship and needed reinforcement in accepting the “holy order of God” (8:4) and the new system of judges in the land of Zarahemla. ] according to the holy order of God, [ For more information on what that means see Alma 13 ] by which he had been called; and he began to teach the people throughout all the land of Melek.

5 And it came to pass that the people came to him throughout all the borders of the land which was by the wilderness side. And they were baptized throughout all the land;

6 so that when he had finished his work at Melek he departed thence, and traveled three days’ journey [ Likely have been about thirty to forty miles. ] on the north of the land of Melek; and he came to a city which was called Ammonihah.

7 Now it was the custom [ A comment made by Mormon - Mormon abridges the records considerably (cf. 9:34) and makes comments as he goes (cf. 10:31-11:20), so these chapters are clearly not a verbatim quotation of a record by Alma as was ch. 5 and 7. ] of the people of Nephi to call their lands, and their cities, and their villages, yea, even all their small villages, after the name of him who first possessed them; and thus it was with the land of Ammonihah.

8 And it came to pass that when Alma had come to the city of Ammonihah he began to preach the word of God unto them.

9  Now Satan had gotten great hold upon the hearts of the people [ Why do we hear So little of the righteous cities, such as Gideon, and so much about the wicked ones, like Ammonihah and Antionum? Ministering in the city of Gideon must have been a very joyous, wonderful occasion for Alma. He was among friends and faithful people, yet we only have a single short chapter of his ministry there. However, when he goes to Ammonihah, we learn a great deal about these awful people. I would like to have been told more about the people of Gideon. Why do you think the Book of Mormon sometimes preserves for us so much more of the bad material than the good? Is it a matter of human nature to remember more easily the mistakes that we have made, the problems that we have had, the difficult times, the final exams that we failed? Or do we remember enough our successes, the triumphs, the happiness? Which is more common in real life? As we teach our children, we need to warn them about the problems that are out there. We need to be sure that they understand the realities of eternal judgment and the consequences of sin and transgression. However, let us be sure to also tell them the good side of things, as Alma also does in chapters 12 and 13. He let them know the great blessings and wonderful promises that could be theirs based on their righteousness. so, let us be sure to reinforce the good things along with the warnings. ] of the city of Ammonihah; therefore they would not hearken [ Hebrew "Shema" is translated here as hearken which means to "listen" and "obey". ] unto the words of Alma.

10 Nevertheless Alma labored much in the spirit, [ Do you think there is any question here that the people have been warned? When one is laboring in the spirit - or under the influence of the spirit - teaching and testifying with the spirit (including fasting vs26) - well the message does not need to be delivered any other way - that is really all that can be done. Even the Savior in person could not influence everyone to repent. ] wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he [the Lord] would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city; [ Why is it that sometimes all of the fasting and praying in the world does not make the Lord just overpower the people with his spirit? The foundation of all laws in the gospel is that of agency - and no matter how noble the cause he (the Lord) will always respect that agency - the people have the choice to listen and repent or harden their hearts even more. Alma is here because of an Angel - why not just send a lot of angels here when Alma asks? The Lords plan is not always our plan - So we must learn to trust in him. ] that he would also grant that he might baptize them unto repentance. [ Baptism is "For" or "Unto" a remission of sin. Websters Dictionary says "unto expresses no more than to". The scriptures use the word "unto" thousands of times in phrases like "unto the sea" meaning until you get to the sea. It is the same with "unto" repentance. Baptism is not for the washing away of sin, which through tradition we have associated the water portion with cleansing, but this is not correct doctrine. (Little children are without sin, Christ was without sin). So Baptism is unto or so that one can move forward in order that they may obtain a remission of sins. This is why Baptism is called the gate? Because sin cannot be removed except through the atonement(the way the path is opened), the atonement cannot be applied without a making a covenant with God that you will be obedient from this time forward and that you are willing to take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ, through whom the atonement was made possible. After Baptism we have committed to be obedient to Gods laws, to change our character, that we will eventually have our sins washed away. ]

11 Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts, saying unto him: Behold, we know that thou art Alma; and we know that thou art high priest over the church which thou hast established [ This is meant to be a very derogatory comment - since they are of the Church or order of Nehor they are thus projecting that his church is no better than theirs - and further more it's purpose it to get more people to follow him instead of Nehor's beliefs. ] in many parts of the land, according to your tradition; and we are not of thy church, [ Most likely the political and religious leaders are the ones here arguing with Alma. Because 1) Amulek does not even know who Alma is until vs 19, 2) many people believe after they hear the message see Alma 14:1] and we do not believe in such foolish traditions.

12 And now we know that because we are not of thy church we know that thou hast no power over us; and thou hast delivered up the judgment-seat unto Nephihah; therefore thou art not the chief judge over us. [ They understand the history of Alma quit well, they respect that he was once their chief judge - but not any more - What do you think it was like for Alma -Can you imagine the ridicule that he got for being a bad guy, becoming a good guy , then the chief priest - then the leader of a church that they did not respect? - The insults must have been pretty bad because I am sure they had a whole list from which to choose. ]

13 Now when the people had said this, and withstood all his words, and reviled him, [ As Mormon was compiling and abridging this record, he may well have identified with Alma the Younger’s struggles. At the end of his writings, Mormon may have had a similar or related thought, when he says that he stood as “an idle witness” against his people (Mormon 3:16). He too would stand alone. I believe that as Mormon went through this material, he was inclined to keep more of it when he identified personally with what was going on in the records, and he knew poignantly of the destruction that would come to his people as a result of wickedness. There are two places in the Book of Mormon where things became really, awfully wicked. One was here in Ammonihah, and the other was in Mormon’s own time. so, Mormon’s own personal interests and experiences may have been a factor in his motivations and inspiration for recording so many of the awful details in these chapters. ] and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city, he departed thence and took his journey towards the city which was called Aaron.

14 And it came to pass that while he was journeying thither, being weighed down with sorrow, wading through much tribulation and anguish of soul, [ He was discouraged and depressed. After so much good happening to him in his life how could he be depressed? Rejection is tough and I suppose that it is a lesson to us that we all can get that way - we need to be angels to each other during those times. ] because of the wickedness of the people who were in the city of Ammonihah, it came to pass while Alma was thus weighed down with sorrow, behold an angel of the Lord appeared [ Why do angels visit men? see Moroni 7:30-31] unto him, saying:

15 Blessed art thou, Alma; therefore, lift up thy head [ Cowboy up - you still have work to do. ] and rejoice, for thou hast great cause to rejoice; [ Would we respond with something like yeah for what? no one will listen to me I am worthless as a teacher and prophet - Notice the reason it is one that we can all us when we have cause to fell depressed. ] for thou hast been faithful in keeping the commandments of God [ In other words you have a great reward coming to you for your obedience, don't forget that Alma. ] from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him. Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you. [ Alma gets the same angel again. ]

16 And behold, I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, [ What do you suppose went through Alma's mind as the angel tells him that he needs to return to Ammonihah and continue preaching to them? Before he issued the command, however, the angel cheered Alma by telling him that he was “blessed,” and by encouraging him to “lift up his head and rejoice,” in spite of his deep and painful soul-searching. He mentioned not only that Alma had been faithful since the time of his conversion, but that he, the angel, was the same angel who had appeared to deliver the Lord’s message the first time. These words and reassurances must have meant a great deal to Alma. President Henry B. Eyring has pointed out how well Alma had taught his son, Corianton, “who was mired in the misery of sin. Alma knew that wickedness could never be happiness for his son—or for any child of Heavenly Father. He taught his son that increasing in holiness was the only path to happiness.” Because Alma learned this truth the hard way, and was able to speak authoritatively about it to his children.] and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them. [ Fulfilled in Alma 16:1-3. The Lord moved the armies of the Laminites to overthrow their government. sometimes it is by natural disaster sometimes by war, sometimes socially, but when he says he will do something he will. Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ]

17 For behold, they do study at this time that they may destroy the liberty of thy people, [ What is the liberty of his people that we are talking about here? It is the right to worship God, and the Lord responds that he will permit them to destroy his church that Alma has built up. It is interesting that time after time the Lord protects his church and people when they are trying to do what is right - they don't have to be perfect, but when they quit trying then they are left to fight nature, wars...and the order of Nehor by themselves. ] (for thus saith the Lord) which is contrary to the statutes, and judgments, and commandments which he has given unto his people.

18 Now it came to pass that after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily [ Example of how to fulfill or responsibilities = don't complain about what has been asked of you - no go and do it right away. ] to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way, yea, by the way which is on the south of the city of Ammonihah.

19 And as he [Alma] entered the city he was an hungered, and he said to a man:[Alma say to Amulek - Most likely Amulek was headed back to the city as well because in Alma 10:7 Amulek was headed to visit a relative when he received the vision. Why Amulek, why was he chosen out of all of the people? Was he the only one who would listen to the spirit? Was everyone else too busy? Do we miss out on opportunities because we are too busy to hear to the spirit?] Will ye give to an humble servant of God something to eat?

20 And the man said unto him: I am a Nephite, and I know that thou art a holy prophet of God, for thou art the man whom an angel said in a vision: Thou shalt receive. Therefore, go with me into my house and I will impart unto thee of my food; and I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house.

21 And it came to pass that the man received him into his house; and the man was called Amulek; and he brought forth bread and meat and set before Alma.

22 And it came to pass that Alma ate bread and was filled; and he blessed Amulek and his house, and he gave thanks unto God. [ Why does he bless the meal after he has eaten it? Christians are accustomed to offering a blessing before meals, “In Judaism, while a brief blessing is recited before eating, a series of longer blessings . . . follows the meal.” It is “a central feature of the liturgical service in the Jewish home” In the Talmud, the four blessings are attributed to significant figures in Israelite history: “the first benediction was instituted by Moses when the manna fell from heaven; the second by Joshua when he conquered Ereẓ Israel; the third by David and solomon; and the fourth by the rabbis of Jabneh.” The practice is found in the Mishnah, which is the “Oral Torah,” first written around AD 200, and believed to contain much older oral traditions. It is also found among the Dead Sea Scrolls.4 The Jewish book of Jubilees (ca. 161–140 BC) even depicts the patriarchs engaging in the practice (Jubilees 22:4–9).5 The basis for the practice is found in Deuteronomy 8:10, which reads: “When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the Lord thy God for the good land which he hath given thee.” Deuteronomy 8:10 calls for a blessing only if one has eaten and is full.”6 The Book of Mormon specifically says, “Alma ate bread and was filled” before he gave his blessing (Alma 8:22). As the High Priest, Alma showed here his ample awareness of the law in Deuteronomy. In Deuteronomy, blessing the Lord after “thou hast eaten and art full” is mentioned as an expression of gratitude for leading the Israelites “into a good land” (Deuteronomy 8:7–10). For Alma, the expression came after the Lord had led him to Amulek, allowing Alma to find a safe haven in a land which had previously rejected him (Alma 8:14–22). In both settings, the blessing is an expression of gratitude and thanks for the Lord’s blessings of safety and prosperity. Moreover, Alma’s blessing anticipated the time when the Lord would bestow a blessing after a messianic meal. The Savior followed a similar pattern during his first day among the Nephites at the temple in Bountiful. As the sacrament was administered to the people there in 3 Nephi 18, “they were filled” (v. 9), after which Jesus “blessed” them (vv. 10, 14). He then taught them to keep the Father’s commandments and to pray always to the Father in the name of Jesus Christ (vv. 14–20), so that their wives and children “may be blessed” (v. 21). ]

23 And after he had eaten and was filled he said unto Amulek: I am Alma, and am the high priest over the church of God throughout the land.

24 And behold, I have been called to preach the word of God among all this people, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy; and I was in this land and they would not receive me, but they cast me out and I was about to set my back towards this land forever.

25 But behold, I have been commanded that I should turn again and prophesy unto this people, yea, and to testify against them concerning their iniquities.

26 And now, Amulek, because thou hast fed me and taken me in, thou art blessed; for I was an hungered, for I had fasted many days.

27 And Alma tarried many days [ most likely about a month or so as in Alma 10:6 it was the fourth day of the seventh month when Alma and Amulek met, and their suffering in the prison of many days ended on the twelfth day of the tenth month. So if we assume the lunar calendar of 28 days in each month, that would make a total of 92 days to be divided up between the time at Amulek's house and the time in prison ] with Amulek before he [ Alma - singular - So he is preaching by himself. ] began to preach unto the people.

28 And it came to pass that the people did wax more gross in their iniquities. [ Almas' preaching appears to not be doing very much good, as the people get even worse. ]

29 And the word came to Alma, saying: Go; and also say unto my servant Amulek, go forth and prophesy unto this people, [Amulek is a neighbor, maybe Amulek can get through to the people since Alma cannot seem to. Member missionary work?] saying—Repent ye, for thus saith the Lord, except ye repent I will visit this people in mine anger; yea, and I will not turn my fierce anger away.

30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost.[ Commentary by Mormon about how Alma and Amulek taught ]

31 And they had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them; nevertheless they did not exercise their power until they were bound in bands and cast into prison. Now, this was done that the Lord might show forth his power in them. [ sometimes when we are placed or allowed to be put into very uncomfortable situations while trying to do the Lords work or while trying to follow the commandments; the Lord allows us to be placed into positions where he can show forth his power. ]

32 And it came to pass that they went forth and began to preach and to prophesy unto the people, according to the spirit and power which the Lord had given them.