Today’s reading, Alma 43, is a relatively long one. But I intend to post a relatively short comment. Actually, four very short comments.
1.
I note, again, the fierce, even murderous, hatred of the Zoramites and the Amalekites for their Nephite former brothers and sisters. The bitter anger of apostates fascinates and often astonishes me. In this, as in so many other aspects, the Book of Mormon narrative strikes me as both insightful and believable.
2.
Mormon expressly moves away from talking about the teaching of Alma and his sons in order to talk about a war. That might, of course, reflect his own interests and experiences as a military commander, as well as his deep veneration for Moroni as a leader and commander. Probably it does. But I also think that these war chapters are inspired, and that they’ve been included to teach us something — something that we need to know in our time. They deserve our reflection.
3.
The Book of Mormon expressly does not counsel pacifism, despite the example set by the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. Alma 43:46-47 quotes two explicit divine commands: “Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.” “Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed.”
4.
I’m impressed by Moroni’s quickness to stop the fighting when it’s clear that his forces have won. He really doesn’t want to shed unnecessary blood, no matter how grievous have been the offenses of the Lamanites and, even more so, of the Amalekites and the Zoramites.
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